A newborn first reported missing in Long Beach was found dead in a dumpster behind an Imperial Beach strip mall Sunday, and police are now looking for the suspect responsible for the "horrendous" crime.
Eliza Delacruz was found wearing a pink onesie near The Silver Strand Shopping Center at Palm Avenue and Rainbow Drive, approximately two miles west of Interstate 5 south of San Diego.
A man searching the dumpster for recyclables found the dead infant in a trash bag with other trash around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
There were no signs of visible trauma, officials said. An autopsy was conducted Monday, but the medical examiner's office sealed the results at the request of law enforcement.
At a news conference Monday afternoon, Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna said there was for police "nothing as horrendous as a child, a baby for that fact, being taken from her home and then being left in a trash dumpster."
A sketch artist is working with police to come up with a composite drawing of the suspect. The LA Board of Supervisors plan to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
A memorial with candles and baby clothes has been set up just a few feet from where the baby was found.
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Locals stopped by early Monday to pray for Eliza.
“It’s very heart wrenching,” said resident Portia Kirk. “To have something like this happen so close to where we sleep and live, it’s just devastating.”
Eliza was reported missing Saturday afternoon after her parents and an uncle were injured in a shooting at a home in Long Beach.
The crime, described as “very personal” by Long Beach police, occurred on 51st Street at about 5:53 p.m.
Neighbors say they heard two shots, then silence.
Eliza’s father was released from the hospital but did not talk to reporters outside. The baby’s mother and uncle were in critical condition.
Long Beach investigators traveled to San Diego and confirmed the infant was Eliza Delacruz.
"We need to get the coward who committed this violent, senseless act off the street," Luna said, "but we absolutely need the public's help to do this."
Tips about this case can be made to (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by texting TIPLA and the tip to 274637 (CRIMES).
