Cleveland Mourns After Bodies of Two Girls Found in Suitcases

A Cleveland neighborhood is reeling after the discovery of the remains of two young sisters found in suitcases, leading to a tragic investigation and the arrest of their mother. The case has shocked the community and drawn national attention, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 8-year-old Mila Chatman and 10-year-old Amor Wilson.

Discovery of the Bodies

On Monday, March 2, around 6 p.m., a dog walker discovered a suitcase containing human remains near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue in Cleveland’s South Collinwood neighborhood. The dog alerted the walker to a partially buried suitcase, prompting a 911 call. Homicide detectives responding to the scene found a second suitcase approximately 25 feet away, also containing a body NBC News, KOMO News.

Identification of the Victims

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as half-sisters Amor Wilson, 10, and Mila Chatman, 8, using DNA testing KOMO News. Mila Chatman’s father, DeShaun Chatman, had been searching for her since 2020, when she was three years old, and described her as a cheerful child who loved pink and believed she was a princess NBC News.

Aliyah Henderson’s Arrest and Charges

Aliyah Henderson, 28, the mother of the two girls, was arrested on Wednesday, March 4, at her home on East 162nd Street, located near where the suitcases were found Cleveland 19. A search of the home revealed a third child, who appeared to be in good health and was placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services Cleveland 19. Henderson has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder, Ohio’s most severe murder charge, and child endangering Cleveland 19, KOMO News.

Court Appearance and Bond

During her arraignment in Cleveland Municipal Court on Friday, March 6, Henderson’s bond was set at $2 million, $1 million for each count of aggravated murder Cleveland 19. She uttered only “Thank you” in response to the judge’s well wishes NBC News.

Ongoing Investigation

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd emphasized the require for “patience, precision, and discretion” during the investigation, stating that some details must remain confidential to ensure justice is served NBC News. The cause of death has not yet been released. A vigil has been held at the site where the bodies were discovered, with mourners leaving stuffed animals and flowers NBC News.