The body of Maleigha Solonka, 15, (pictured) was found murdered by asphyxiation in Havre de Grace, Maryland, police have said, one week after she was last seen
The body of a 15-year-old girl was found murdered by asphyxiation, police have said, one week after she went missing.
Maleigha Solonka, 15, was last seen on August 9 in Edgewood, Maryland.
Her body was found about 18 miles away Wednesday afternoon in Havre de Grace, Maryland, reportedly naked and in a dumpster.
Police have released few details about her death and have not said anything about a suspect.
However, Solonka’s grandmother Donna Elliott told WBAL TV that she was given more details on her granddaughter’s death.
‘She was found in a dumpster, trash can with a pink shirt that was ripped, and naked,’ Elliott told the outlet.
‘A couple of weeks ago, she came to stay at my house because she feared that someone was going to hurt her,’ Elliott added.
‘She will be greatly missed by so many people. It’s almost unbelievable to believe that I’m not going to see my child again.’
Solonka (pictured) was last seen on August 9 in Edgewood, Maryland. Her body was found about 18 miles away a week later. Her grandmother Donna Elliott said she was ‘found in a dumpster, trash can with a pink shirt that was ripped, and naked’
The teen’s family said she was overcoming a difficult childhood, but had lots of friends and played softball. Solonka’s aunt Darlene Champ-Dupree said: ‘She has had a hard life, and I wanted to amend her, to make her feel better’
The teen’s family said she was overcoming a difficult childhood, but had lots of friends and played softball.
Solonka’s aunt Darlene Champ-Dupree and her uncle Vance Dupree were her legal guardians.
‘Just a heinous crime that this happened to her. She was so full of life. She would brighten up my day. She was just a pleasure to be around,’ Dupree told the outlet.
Champ-Dupree added: ‘She has had a hard life, and I wanted to amend her, to make her feel better.
‘It’s very difficult to believe anything I’m hearing. She didn’t deserve it.’
Solonka’s aunt Darlene Champ-Dupree (pictured) and her uncle Vance Dupree were her legal guardians
Solonka’s father, Gregory Keels (right), is pictured at the vigil held for Solonka on Thursday
A candlelight vigil was held for Solonka on Thursday and the family has set up a GoFundMe page to help lay her to rest.
‘We are broken, and she was a part of our family. We love her we miss her,’ Champ-Dupree said.
Elliott told WMAR: ‘This isn’t fair. I hope whomever did this, rots in hell.’
Police have said the investigation is ongoing.