Two children charged in Cleveland for brutal assault on 5-year-old girl

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Police arrested and charged two juveniles, ages 9 and 10, accused of brutally assaulting a five-year-old girl and leaving her bloodied, unconscious, and nearly unrecognizable.

Arrest in connection to assault on 5-year-old girl

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges including rape, attempted murder, kidnapping, and strangulation following the Sept. 13 attack. The suspects allegedly lured the child into a field near East 148th Street and left her beaten and unresponsive, authorities said.

The victim had been staying with a relative when she wandered off alone. Her mother rushed to the scene and arrived as paramedics loaded her daughter into an ambulance.

“What I saw was unbelievable,” mom told Cleveland 19. “Her hair was scalped, eyes were filled with blood, and mouth was full of dirt and debris.”

Her daughter spent a week in the hospital and remains deeply traumatized. “She woke up screaming, saying, ‘They killed me,’” her mother said. “She thought she was dead.”

Suspects charged

The suspects, charged as juveniles, face four counts of rape, two counts of kidnapping, and additional felonies. Due to the case’s sensitivity, police and prosecutors have declined further comment.

GoFundMe launched to support 5-year-old and family

In the wake of the attack, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover medical and legal expenses. The fundraiser has surpassed $120,000, drawing support from across the country.

“I just want her to be a normal 5-year-old again,” mom said. “We’re praying for healing, justice, and strength.”