US couple arrested as they try to cross into Mexico with the body of a dead toddler in a bag

A dead 2-year-old girl was found in a duffel bag belonging to a man, 39-year-old Johnny Lewis Hartley and a woman,  43-year-old Mercy Mary Becerra who were trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border south into Tijuana Tuesday.

According to San Diego police, the child's body was found sometime by Mexican law enforcement at the El Chaparral port of entry during an X-ray scan Tuesday afternoon around noon.

When Mexican authorities attempted to detain the couple, the woman fled, a foot chased ensued , she was apprehended and detained. While her partner was detained at the scene and they were both handed over to US immigration and border control.

After being interviewed by SDPD homicide detectives, the couple who lived in Whittier, California were each booked into the San Diego Central Jail on one count of murder.

Investigators believe the child’s death occurred in Whittier, a suburb of Los Angeles. San Diego police are working with the Whittier Police Department on the case. Authorities also found out that the child isn't related to the couple.

"We were informed that a gentleman was detained who was carrying a duffel bag that contained the body of a small child, said San Diego police Lt. Ray Valentin.