Chicago police ended their search of the Garfield Park lagoon Sunday after several body parts belonging to a toddler were discovered there.
No additional remains were found in the lagoon after investigators drained it all week, according to Chicago police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. The discovery of two feet, two hands and a head, all belonging to a child, Sept. 5, prompted the investigation. A 20-pound weight was also found near the body parts, but it has not been determined if the weight is related to the discovery of the remains.
Draining efforts were expected to end Sunday afternoon, and a temporary dam will be removed Monday, Guglielmi said.
Investigators, meanwhile, are following up on all documented missing person cases and working with the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Guglielmi said. The medical examiner has performed DNA and forensic testing, but the results are still being processed.
"We continue to ask for community intelligence around any suspicious activity involving missing children," Guglielmi said. "For example, the sudden disappearance of a neighborhood child, friend or family member or any unusual domestic activity or abrupt absences."
More than 100 divers, detectives and officers were on the scene as the lagoon was drained. Officials also began canvassing the neighborhood Wednesday, distributing fliers asking that residents report suspicious activity or missing children.
The child whose remains were found in the lagoon was described as an African-American child between the ages of 2 and 3. He had short, curly black hair, brown eyes and earlobes that were not pierced, according to a statement from the medical examiner and Chicago police.
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The remains have undergone several other tests, including a "dental consultation" and DNA sampling, but the results that have come back have not been able to determine the identity of the child.
Anyone with information should contact Area North detectives at (312) 744-8261.
