Teen girl's body found in Gary, police seek help identifying her

GARY, Ind. (WLS) -- The Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff's Department is asking for help identifying the teenage girl found dead Monday in an alley near 20th and Pennsylvania.

The body was discovered by utility crews. Lake County officials have not said how she died and whether foul play was involved, but a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous said she was visited by homicide investigators asking if she had seen anything unusual.

"It's sad, but I hope they get an opportunity to find out who she is, and her family can have the opportunity to grieve, or whomever her loved ones are," the neighbor said.

The girl is believed to be between the ages of 14 and 18. The sheriff's department described her as an African American girl, 5 ft. 2 in. tall and 117 lbs. with short black hair and pierced ears.

She was found wearing an orange or red t-shirt with the words 'SUPERGIRL POWER' and the Superman logo on it, as well as size large blue Champion brand pants with gray stripes, a red size 32B bra, and blue and black Nike Air Max Plus size seven sneakers.

Police released a photograph of her t-shirt.

"The key to this is the shirt that they're putting out. Maybe a parent can look at that shirt and say, hey you know, that's my child," said crisis responder Andrew Holmes.

If you have any information about the girl's identity, call the Lake County Coroner's Office at 219-755-3265.