Prosecutor calls missing toddler case homicide investigation

Bond set at $250,000 for mother's boyfriend

Steven King II appears in Lucas County Common Pleas Court today. He is charged with obstructing justice in the disappearance of Elaina Steinfurth, the 19-month-old missing East Toledo toddler.

In asking that an East Toledo man accused of lying to police over the disappearance of a missing toddler remain in jail, an assistant Lucas County prosecutor said today that the case is now being investigated as a homicide.

“The allegations are the defendant lied to police in the course of what is regarded now as a homicide investigation,” Brad Smith told the court.

Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Ruth Ann Franks then ordered that Steven King II, 23, of 704 Federal St., remain in the Lucas County jail on $250,000 bond.

Mr. King, the boyfriend of the mother of missing 19-month-old Elaina Steinfurth, is charged with obstructing justice in the case. The indictment alleges he provided investigators with false information between June 2 and Aug. 2.

Elaina has been missing since June 2. Her mother, Angela Steinfurth, 25, also is charged with obstructing justice in the case.

Family members of the child's father said afterward that this was the first they’d heard the case referred to as a homicide.

“We don’t want to look at it that way but we have to accept it, we need closure,” said Ginger Smith, a cousin of the missing child.

Judge Franks continued Mr. King’s arraignment until Aug. 15