“We are unable to express in words the level of heartbreak that our residents are feeling. Regarding the event, Sutton Police stated, “We are so very sorry.”
Police in Massachusetts say that a 4-year-old girl with autism went missing and that her body was found in a neighbor’s pool on Thursday, July 11.
Sutton Police had earlier that day reported on Facebook that they were looking for a girl named Eva in the Sutton neighborhood of Peachtree Drive.
“A large police and fire presence is in place while we look for this little kid. Authorities at the time added, “If you see her, please call 9-1-1 to alert us.”
Two hours after making that declaration, the police again thanked everyone who helped with the hunt for Eva on Facebook and announced that they would no longer be soliciting the public for assistance in finding her.
Eva’s death was then confirmed by a statement released by the office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. on Friday, July 12, in the morning, according to Sutton Police.
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The district attorney’s statement stated, “At 3:50 p.m. on Thursday, the Sutton Police Department received a 911 call reporting a 4-year-old girl had gone missing from her home.” The girl was discovered unconscious in a neighbor’s pool not long after. She was taken by emergency services to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where they declared her dead.
Police in the Worcester County hamlet of Sutton described the previous 12 hours as “difficult” for first responders and families in the same statement.
“There are no words that can lessen the anguish that our residents are going through. We sincerely apologize,” Sutton Police stated.
There were no other details provided. To show respect for the girl’s family, police also stated that they would refrain from speaking with the media about the case going forward.
According to ABC affiliate WCVB, troopers, K9 patrols, and an action team were dispatched to the site at the time of the search.
According to FOX affiliate WFXT, a neighbor named Randa Tawadros remarked, “Oh my God, my heart my stomach, I couldn’t think I couldn’t breathe.” I was terrified. My only thought was, “What if this were my child?”
A resident told NBC affiliate WBTS on July 12 that the girl’s family is inconsolable and will not talk at this time.
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office stated in an email to PEOPLE on July 12 that it only had the Sutton Police statement as further information regarding the incident.
