Chicago police released a drawing of the toddler whose dismembered remains were discovered in the Garfield Park Lagoon last Saturday. The sketch was issued by authorities at a press conference on Thursday.
The drawing is based on analysis of the remains conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office, which noted that the child was either African American or mixed race, between 18 months and four years old. The remains, the office stated, were badly decomposed.
“The hair was short, curly and black in color; the eyes were brown; and the earlobes were no pierced, suggesting the child may be male (but female gender cannot be ruled out at present),” the examiner’s office noted in a statement. The office also examined the finger and footprints of the child.
Authorities are asking anyone who knows of any missing children similar to the one in the drawing to contact detectives at 312-744-8261, send a text to CRIMES (274637) or call 1-800-535-STOP.
A vigil is scheduled for tonight, Thursday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m., in front of the Garfield Park field house, 100 N. Central Park Ave.
West Side religious leaders and elected officials who may attend include Pastor J.L. Miller of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Pastor Michael Eaddy of Peoples Church of the Harvest COGIC, Pastor Marshall Hatch of New Mt. Pilgrim MB Church, Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-7th), Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) and Chicago Police Commander Barbara West.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed Ald. Jason Ervin’s district as the 29th, instead of the 28th. Austin Weekly News regrets this error.
