Authorities in Indiana say a missing child case became a homicide probe on Tuesday afternoon with the discovery of the 2-month-old girl’s body.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Indianapolis police said 36-year-old Rachel McAfee was with her daughter, Emma, on Monday when they were last seen leaving their home. Officials warned at the time that she could be suicidal and had battled both postpartum depression and alcohol abuse.
Emma McAfee was reportedly found dead in the family’s SUV on Tuesday afternoon in the city’s north side. Her mother was in the vehicle with her and was transported from the scene to an area hospital, according to WTHR.
The mother and daughter were found in an area of Indianapolis about 20 miles from where they lived.
Reports indicate Rachel McAfee was receiving medical treatment for “cold-related injuries” and homicide detectives were investigating the situation.
Her husband, John McAfee, contacted police to report his wife and daughter missing on Monday after they didn’t show up for planned appointments.
“She was supposed to take my daughter to my parents’ house for daycare and didn’t show up and then she had a meeting at 11:00 and didn’t show for that either,” he explained.
John McAfee confirmed his wife had been struggling with emotional issues recently.
“Over the past couple of years she hasn’t been the happiest,” he said. “She’s had a little bit of depression going on, just hasn’t been her normal self.”
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Chris Bailey said investigators would interview Rachel McAfee after she received proper medical attention.
[Featured image: Rachel McAfee and Emma McAfee, handouts]
