Police in Arkansas say someone found the bodies of two newborn babies in a suitcase discarded along a rural road last week.
According to WNYW, the deceased babies were twins believed to have been born prematurely.
A preliminary examination estimated their gestational age to be between 32 and 34 weeks, which is several weeks shy of a full term.
As KARK reported, Clyde Collins lives near the spot where the purple suitcase was found last week.
He said the grisly news makes him worry about the community he has called home his entire life.
“You know, it’s always something being dumped in this ditch,” Collins said. “To think something like that had happened was kind of strange.”
A statement by the Cross County Sheriff’s Department indicated that investigators were awaiting further forensic testing to confirm physical characteristics as well as the estimated time and suspected cause of death.
The agency posted an update Tuesday on social media in which authorities solicited tips from the public.
Update Preliminary autopsy report states the babies were approx.. 32 to 34 weeks along. Still awaiting further testing…
Posted by Cross County Sheriff on Tuesday, February 20, 2018
“We are following up on all leads and have interviewed several individuals,” the post read.
Investigators are urging anyone with a tip, regardless of its perceived relevance, to contact them.
“If you have any information even if you think it’s of no value please call the Cross County Sheriff’s Office at 870-238-5700,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “All calls will remain confidential.”
Lythia Jones echoed the uneasiness of Collins, her neighbor, upon hearing of the disturbing discovery.
“I don’t know what type of person could do a thing like that,” she said.
[Featured image: KARK/video screenshot]
