Persons of interest detained in connection with ‘Baby Elle,’ a tot found dead near Delaware softball field

It’s been a year since a toddler, coined “Baby Elle,” was found dead near a Delaware softball field, and authorities announced this week that they’ve detained people in connection with the case.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, investigators responded to the Little Lass fields in Smyrna, across the street from Smyrna Middle School, on September 15, 2019, after someone walking a dog found a human bone.

“There is some evidence of a fire at or near the crime scene which is why we have involved the State Fire Marshal’s office in our investigation,” Cpl. Brian M. Donner, with the Smryna Police Department, said last year.

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The child’s remains were found close to the softball field batting cages, at the bank of the Duck Creek Pond. Investigators at the time said someone attempted to cover up the child, but she was not completely hidden.

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the child had been dead for several weeks or more before being discovered. She appeared to be between the ages of two to five.

Delaware Online reports that authorities said “persons of interest” were arrested out of state. Investigators have not released their names.

The persons of interest are currently being held by the FBI while investigators obtain more information and execute search warrants for additional evidence.

“If and when the persons of interest are transferred to our custody, we will announce their full details as well as any crimes they are being charged with,” Donner said.

Donner added that no other information is being released at this time.

NCMEC Forensic Artists released a facial reconstruction photo last year of the child; she appeared to have been Caucasian or Hispanic with “slightly wavy brown hair.” According to an anthropological exam, the child probably suffered from a chronic illness.

Smyrna police previously said that the child did not match any local missing children. She’s also not missing girl, Dulce Alvarez, who disappeared from New Jersey in September 2019.

Check back for updates.

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