Ohio Mother Charged in Deaths of Two Girls Found in Suitcases in Cleveland

CLEVELAND — Aliyah Henderson, 28, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder in connection with the deaths of 8-year-old Mila Chatman and 10-year-old Amor Wilson, whose bodies were found in suitcases on Cleveland’s east side on Monday. Henderson was arraigned Friday morning in Cleveland Municipal Court, where a judge set her bond at $2 million, citing the nature of the allegations and concern for public safety according to the Cleveland Division of Police.

Discovery and Identification

The bodies of Mila Chatman and Amor Wilson were discovered by a man walking his dog near Saranac Playground on Monday. The man reported finding a suitcase containing a body and detectives subsequently located a second suitcase with another body nearby as reported by News 5 Cleveland. Police determined the girls were half-siblings through DNA investigation .

The Investigation and Arrest

Cleveland police executed a search warrant at a residence on East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue, leading to Henderson’s arrest on Wednesday . A child was found inside the home and taken into the custody of the Department of Child and Family Services . During her court appearance, Henderson reportedly uttered only “Thank you” in response to the judge’s well wishes .

Previous Interactions and Community Response

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristine Travaglini stated the bodies of the girls were “badly decomposed” during the court hearing. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released information regarding the cause or time of death. Deshaun Chatman, identified as the father of Mila Chatman, stated he had not had contact with his daughter for several years and had previously contacted DCFS regarding custody . A vigil was held in the Collinwood neighborhood to remember Amor Wilson and Mila Chatman .

In 2019, Henderson and her daughters were featured in a Cleveland Plain Dealer article about a local hospital’s program for struggling families .