Ohio missing toddler case now homicide probe

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — A prosecutor says the case of a missing toddler in northwest Ohio is now being investigated as a homicide.

It’s the first time authorities in Toledo have indicated that the girl who has been missing since early June may not be alive.

The 19-month-old’s mother and her boyfriend are both in jail after being accused of obstructing justice during the investigation.

A judge today ordered that the boyfriend remain in jail on $250,000 bond.

An assistant Lucas County prosecutor told the judge the boyfriend is accused of lying to police during what’s now a homicide investigation.

The toddler, Elaina Steinfurth, disappeared from her Toledo neighborhood June 2. Volunteers and authorities have searched all over the city for the girl.