Authorities in Cleveland have taken a person of interest into custody for questioning on Wednesday in connection with the tragic discovery of two young girls found deceased in suitcases earlier this week. The suitcases were located in a field, sending shockwaves through the community.

Cleveland Police Sergeant Freddie Diaz clarified that the individual has not been formally arrested, according to a report by WOIO. The person came to the attention of the police while they executed a search warrant at a residence close to the site where the bodies were found.

While the reasons behind securing the search warrant for that specific address have not been disclosed, it marks a critical step in the investigation.

Earlier in the day, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s office revealed that DNA tests had verified the two girls were half-sisters, though their identities have yet to be conclusively determined.

According to CrimeOnline, the grim discovery was made by a passerby walking a dog. The dog reacted to a specific area, leading its owner to find the first suitcase and subsequently call 911. Upon arrival, police uncovered a second suitcase nearby, both buried in shallow graves.

The authorities estimate one of the girls to be aged between 8 1/2 and 13 years old, while the other is believed to be between 10 1/2 and 14 years old. The case remains under active investigation as the community awaits further developments.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said that neither girl matched with any local children who had been reported missing.

Any with information should call the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.