TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Toledo police have confirmed that the body found in an east Toledo garage last week belongs to toddler Elaina Steinfurth. Her mother and father were notified by the department first.
Elaina's father, Terry Steinfurth Jr., said taking the call from detectives was difficult.
"That wasn't really easy. That was the hardest part yet, was having to explain that to my 4-year-old, and you might as well say my 7-year-old. I mean, it's hard," said Steinfurth Jr.
Elaina had been missing since June 2, 2013.
On Thursday, Toledo police searched the area near the home of Steven King on Federal Street in east Toledo. Police still will not say what led them back to search the garage, but whatever it was, netted them huge results in the case; police removed a box containing "immature skeletal remains." However, because the remains were so immature, the Lucas County Coroner's Office said it was not possible to determine the gender without DNA testing. It has now been confirmed that the remains belong to baby Elaina.
While the investigation continues and the coroner works to find a cause of death, Elaina's mother, Angela, and her former boyfriend, King, remain behind bars on obstruction of justice charges. More charges could be filed against both as more results are determined.
Family members say they prayed for Elaina's safe return and now that their hopes have been crushed, they anxiously wait for justice.
"I'm hoping they do succeed, and there are no loopholes. I mean, I don't want anybody to get away from this without paying their debt to Elaina," said Steinfurth Jr.
King had his final pretrial hearing Thursday. His trial is set for Sept. 16.
Steinfurth appeared in court for a pretrial hearing Wednesday, but it was postponed again. Her trial date still has not been scheduled.
Family members gathered Tuesday to give support to one another. Funeral arrangements are still pending, but a vigil will be held Tuesday night on Federal Street in honor of baby Elaina.
