Body of a 3-year-old girl is found in a recycling plant

• Body of missing girl found at recycling plant.
• Death is being investigated as a homicide.
• The girl was in her father’s custody

Police in California say the body of a missing 3-year-old girl has been found at a recycling plant.

Her father was found dead in another city, and her death is now being investigated as a homicide.

Fremont police say 3-year-old Ellie Lorenzo was reported missing Friday by her mother, Chrystal Obi.

The girl was in the custody of her father, Jared Lorenzo, who was found dead in San Francisco, according to KPIX.

Search for Ellie Lorenzo ends in tragedy: Body found at recycling plant

The police began searching for Ellie, but she could not be found.

She was last seen Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Casa Arroyo apartments in Fremont, where Lorenzo lived.

The search ended in tragedy on Saturday at 4:30 a.m. when the body of a little girl was discovered at a recycling plant in San Jose.

Police confirmed that the deceased was Ellie.

“Our department is saddened by the news that Ellie did not survive.»

Our hearts go out to his family and we will continue to support them during this difficult time,” said Police Chief Sean Washington.

Chrystal Obi also confirmed her daughter’s death, describing her as “the most beautiful, funny, smart, friendly little girl.”

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Ellie,” the statement said.

“She will be remembered for her intelligent and curious mind, her big smile and her warm, loving heart.”

Ellie’s death is being investigated as a homicide by the San Jose Police Department.

It remains unclear how the father’s death may be related.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Ellie’s family with funeral expenses and other costs.

To listen to the podcast of this and other news click on the photo