Cops make horrific discovery at Bay Area recycling center in hunt for girl, 3, reported missing after her father died by suicide

The body of a California toddler was discovered in a Bay Area recycling center, just days after her father died by suicide.

Ellie Lorenzo, 3, was found by an employee at a recycling facility in San Jose on Saturday, police said.

She was reported missing to the Fremont police by her mother, Chrystal Obi, on Friday after her father, Jared Lorenzo, was found dead by an apparent suicide in San Francisco, reported KTVU.

Ellie, who lived with her mother in Mountain View, was last seen on Thursday at 6 pm with her father at the Casa Arroyo Apartments on Racho Arroyo Parkway in Fremont.

'Our homicide detectives are investigating it. We really don't have a motive. The circumstances are still trying to be figured out and investigated,' said San Jose Police Sergeant Jorge Garibay.

The body of Ellie Lorenzo (pictured), 3, was discovered in a San Jose recycling center on Saturday shortly after she was reported missing

She was last seen with her father, Jared Lorenzo (right), who died by suicide in San Francisco on Friday

'We have an idea of what may have occurred. However, until we can have conclusive evidence, we'd be in the wrong. It wouldn't be right for Ellie; it wouldn't be right for Ellie's family for us to try to make that determination.' 

Police have identified a person of interest in the case, and it appears to be an isolated incident.

Obi told authorities Jared was supposed to return Ellie on Friday night, per their custody agreement.

'The mother of the three-year-old girl called us, asking if we can check on her welfare at her father's apartment, located here in Fremont,' Fremont Police Sgt. Kim McDonald said.

'The mother of the child got news that the father was deceased in San Francisco and the child was not with him at that time. The Fremont police department went to his apartment in Fremont and the child was not located there.' 

Early Saturday morning, police received a call from the recycling center about the discovery of a deceased girl matching Ellie's description.

The Santa Clara County Coroner's Office later determined the victim was indeed Ellie. 

Ellie's family described her as friendly with a playful spirit and full of so much love

Early Saturday morning police received a call from the recycling center (pictured) about the discovery of a dead child

A GoFundMe set up for the family described the three-year-old as friendly with a playful spirit and full of so much love.

'We are heartbroken at the loss of our dear sweet Ellie. She was the most charming, funny, smart, friendly little girl. Ellie loved dancing and meeting new people. She so easily made friends and spread so much joy everywhere she went,' Obi told KGO.

'She will be remembered for her smart and curious mind, her big smile, and her warm loving heart. Ellie's life was full of so many people who loved her so much and will miss her beyond words can explain.'

The San Jose Police Department are leading the investigation into her death.  

'The San José Police Department would like to express their sincerest condolences to Ellie's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unthinkable and tragic time. Ellie deserved better. May she rest in peace,' police said.