An autopsy has shown that a 2-year-old girl whose body was found inside a septic tank behind her home died of accidental drowning.

Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford said Tuesday a preliminary investigation found "no indication of foul play or trauma."

The victim, identified by authorities only by the initials J.C., was reported missing by her mother shortly before 5 p.m. Monday. She had been playing in the yard with four siblings.

Many questions remain about the incident including why the septic tank was open . WABC reports that the home with the septic tank was vacant. "It's hard to say, because it's a vacant house," said Michael Stewart, of the Department of Public Works. "Nobody lives there."

Search teams found a 3-foot-wide hole in the yard that led to a septic tank. The child's body was found inside it around 7:30 p.m. after the water was pumped out

Video courtesy TheLakewoodScoop.com

 

 

 

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