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Autopsy To Determine Cause Of Death For Infant Discovered In San Diego Dumpster

LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — The San Diego County Coroner Monday will perform an autopsy on an infant who was discovered in a dumpster.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, the body of 3-week-old Eliza De La Cruz was found Sunday afternoon, just one day after she was kidnapped from her home in Long Beach.

De La Cruz was discovered missing after officers responded to a shots fired call around 5:50 p.m. Saturday in the 100 block of West 51st Street.

The child's mother, father and uncle were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and were transported to a hospital where the baby's mother and uncle remain in critical but stable condition. Her father was treated and released.

Police believe the suspect accused in the shooting also took De La Cruz from the home.

On Sunday evening, San Diego Police discovered the body of a young female in a dumpster in Imperial Beach.

Long Beach police identified the body as that of De La Cruz.

"She was 3 weeks old – 21 days of living. And she couldn't defend herself, she couldn't call for help. This is just wrong," Aaron Cruz, a family friend said.

A motive has yet to be determined, but detectives believe the incident was not random.

"We're looking for the community to come forward with any tips so that they can explore any kind of motive," Marlene Arrona of the Long Beach Police Dept. said.

No arrests have been made. The suspect was described as a man with dark skin, possibly Hispanic or African-American.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Long Beach Police Department at (562)570-7244.

The family has meanwhile set up a fund in the wake of baby Eliza's death.

Donations may be made at any Wells Fargo bank under the account name "Eliza De La Cruz."

RELATED STORIES:

Missing 3-Week-Old Long Beach Baby Found Dead In San Diego Dumpster

Woman, 2 Men Shot At Long Beach Home Where Baby Is Reported Missing

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