A search for a missing, developmentally disabled 14-year-old has led Cleveland police to a female body in an abandoned home.
Investigators were searching for Aliana DeFreeze, who went missing on her way to school Thursday morning, when they found a body on Cleveland’s East Side. Cleveland Police Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia told Cleveland.com that the body has not yet been identified. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office is reportedly in the process of identifying the victim and determining the cause of death.
RT! 14 yr old Alianna DeFreeze has been missing since Thurs morning. She caught the bus to school but never made it @cleveland19news pic.twitter.com/EUP0O71EeN
— Shanice (@ShaniceDunning) January 28, 2017
DeFreeze was last seen Thursday morning while boarding a public bus to school, as part of her regular routine. The 14-year-old, whose family says she has the mental capacity of about an 8- or 9-year-old, was reportedly seen twice that day, once with another girl, but never arrived at school. Her family told local news stations that DeFreeze is very friendly and very trusting.
Police said this weekend that DeFreeze was considered endangered, particularly as she reportedly has asthma and requires daily medication.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
DeFreeze was last seen wearing black pants, a black sweater, and a brown coat with tan fur along the hood. She was carrying a black and purple backpack, and pink headphones.
Anyone with information about DeFreeze’s disappearance is asked to call the Cleveland Police Department at 216-623-3138.
