Residents of the Hidden Valley Apartment Complex in DeKalb County were left in shock on Sunday when a neighbor reported a foul odor emanating from a vacant apartment. Upon investigation, the neighbor discovered the lifeless body of a young girl in a closet. The distressing incident has left the community reeling, as they grapple with the tragic loss of a child.
The discovery of the deceased child took place in an upstairs unit of the apartment building, leaving neighbor Catherine Costello stunned. She expressed her disbelief, stating that she never expected such a horrific event to occur in such close proximity. The condition of the body indicated that the child had been deceased for a significant period of time. Authorities estimate the child’s age to be between 2 and 4 years old.
Anthony Shelton, another resident of the complex, expressed his terror and sadness over the incident. He questioned how such a tragedy could unfold, emphasizing the heartbreaking nature of a child being left unattended for an extended period. The police report revealed the presence of a piece of mail addressed to a woman in the apartment. While Costello recalls a woman living in the upstairs unit, she admits to being unaware of the presence of a child, as she had never seen one.
Costello further shared her observations, noting that the child never left the apartment or attended school. This lack of visibility and interaction with the child raises concerns about the circumstances surrounding her life and the absence of anyone to inquire about her well-being. Costello lamented the sad reality of a world where a child could go unnoticed for so long.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and contact the DeKalb County Police. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of a young life.