East Toledo toddler suffered multiple broken bones, autopsy finds

11/6/2013
BLADE STAFF
Elaina Steinfurth
Elaina Steinfurth

Two months and a day after the remains of a missing East Toledo toddler were found in a computer box, officials have ruled the death of Elaina Steinfurth a homicide, saying the injuries are from "non-accidental trauma."

The results of the autopsy were released today by Dr. Diane Scala-Barnett, a Lucas County deputy coroner.

Dr. Barnett reported there were "severe acute fractures to the joint areas of the arms and legs." Five bones were impacted, she said.

No assessment of soft tissue and organs could be completed.

The girl, who garnered national attention, was reported missing from 704 Federal St. on June 2. The case remained a missing-persons investigation until Sept. 5 when police, acting on a tip, found skeletonized remains in an unattached garage behind the Federal Street home.

The remains were, within days, identified as Elaina's.

The toddler's mother, Angela Steinfurth, and Mrs. Steinfurth's boyfriend, Steven King II, are charged with obstructing justice for allegedly lying to police during the course of the investigation.

Mr. King, 23, and his family own and live in the Federal Street home.

Prosecutors have been waiting for autopsy reports to determine if additional charges would be filed against either Mrs. Steinfurth or Mr. King.

Mr. King's trial is scheduled to start Dec. 9 in Lucas County Common Pleas Court; Mrs. Steinfurth's pretrial is scheduled for Nov. 20.