Police Close Case on Brooklyn Park 6-Year-Old’s Hanging Death

BROOKLYN PARK (AP) - Brooklyn Park police have closed their investigation into the hanging death of a 6-year-old girl without a clear finding of what happened.

Deputy Chief Mark Bruley says foul play isn't suspected in the death of Kendrea Johnson. She was found unconscious in a bedroom of her foster home with a jump rope around her neck Dec. 27.

Bruley says evidence points to suicide or an accident. He confirmed Thursday she'd been getting treatment for emotional problems, including suicidal thoughts. She'd been at the foster home since March.

Kendrea went into foster care in December 2013, after her mother allegedly abused drugs.

Kendrea's mother and grandmother have said they believe somebody killed her. Bruley says he understands their emotions. He says his detectives thoroughly investigated, calling the death "an absolute tragedy."