Two months after the brutal kidnapping and death of 3-week-old Eliza Delacruz, officials released sketches of a female and male suspect wanted in connection with her murder.
The Long Beach Police Department was asking for the public’s help to identify the two suspects, one of which is believed to have made contact with the mother of the baby (pictured, right) before the vicious attack.
On Jan. 3, at about 4:15 p.m. a black female, described as in her 40s, heavy set, with long dark curly hair, wearing a pair of dark designer sunglasses and driving a black SUV with dark rims approached Eliza’s mother as she exited a bus near the intersection of Del Amo Boulevard and Long Beach Boulevard, according to officials from the Long Beach Police Department.
Surveillance video shows a black SUV matching the description given by the newborn’s mother trailing a bus at about the same time.
The woman stopped and asked Eliza’s mother about the baby, according to officials from the LBPD. They spoke briefly before her mother continued her walk home.
Less than two hours later, Eliza’s family was violently attacked in their Long Beach home.
A man described as dark-skinned Hispanic or black forced his way in the family’s home in the 100 block of 51st Street, shooting Eliza’s parents and uncle before running off with the baby.
Southern Californians were rattled by the brutal assault and kidnapping of the newborn. A 24-hour manhunt ensued for the baby while her family was treated at a hospital for their injuries.
Eliza’s lifeless body was found over 100 miles south in a dumpster in Imperial Beach by a transient who was looking for cans on Jan. 4.
Based on three surveillance videos from where Eliza’s mother exited the bus, officials believe the SUV is a 2006 to 2011 Range Rover with large black rims. The videos were also forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigations for enhancement.
A $25,000 reward was announced in January for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in Eliza’s death.
Anyone with information is asked to call 562-570-7244.
Photo Credit: Courtesy: Long Beach Police Department