NEW: The St. Joseph Co. Prosecutor's Office has released new information indicating that 6-year-old Grace Ross died by asphyxiation. The 14-year-old suspect in the case remains in custody and will face a hearing March 22.
(You can read more from the release below.)
St. Joseph County –As previously released, on 3/12/21 around 6:30 p.m., six year old Grace Ross of New Carlisle was reported missing in the area of Chapman St., New Carlisle, Indiana. At approximately 8:25 p.m., Grace was located in a wooded area near Chapman. She was deceased. Due to the circumstances, CMHU was called to the scene to investigate. An autopsy revealed a preliminary determination of homicide by asphyxiation.
Further test results are pending.
The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit (CMHU) and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office met with Grace Ross’ family earlier today to explain the autopsy results and the progress of the investigation.
As also previously released, a 14 year old male was arrested and taken into custody in connection with this investigation. At a detention hearing earlier today, the St. Joseph County Probate Court made the initial determination to detain the 14 year old, and set a further hearing date for Monday, March 22, 2021.
Pursuant to statute, the Juvenile Probation Department recently prepared a preliminary inquiry, which the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office will review this evening. The law allows a Prosecutor’s Office to file a petition alleging delinquency only after the preliminary inquiry is prepared and filed.
Please note that the release of information concerning an allegation of delinquency is strictly controlled by statute. Pursuant to I.C. 31-39-3-2 and I.C. 31-39-2-8, the identity of the 14 year old and other information may be released only after a petition of delinquency has been accepted by the Court.
PREVIOUS POST:
NEW: The St. Joseph Co. Prosecutor's Office has named the young victim who was found dead in a wooded area in New Carlisle Friday night.
(You can read more in the update at the news release below.)
St. Joseph County –The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit (CMHU) continues to actively investigate the death of the 6 year old found yesterday evening in a wooded area near Chapman St in New Carlisle, IN. The victim has been identified as Grace Ross, female, of New Carlisle.
The name of the arrested 14 year old suspect is not being released at this time, as he is progressing through the juvenile system.
CMHU asks anyone with information regarding this investigation to call CMHU at 574-235-5009 or Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP. More information will be released to the public as we are able to do so.
ORIGINAL POST:
The Assistant Commander of the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit, Dave Wells, released information early Saturday morning on a case involving a dead child and a teenage suspect.
(You can read his release below.)
Last evening 3/12/21 around 6:30 pm a six year old child was reported missing in the area of Chapman St. in New Carlisle. At approximately 8:25 pm the child was located in a wooded area near Chapman. She was deceased. Due to the circumstances, CMHU was called to the scene to investigate. A fourteen year old suspect has been arrested. We are not releasing any names at this time or other details.
We are asking anyone with information regarding this case to call CMHU. An autopsy had been scheduled for Sunday morning. This is an open and active investigation.