Two Cleveland girls found dead in suitcases; Mother charged with aggravated murder

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CLEVELAND, OH (Content Warning) — Cleveland police are investigating the deaths of two young Black girls whose bodies were found inside suitcases and buried in shallow graves on the city’s east side. The discovery, made Monday evening near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue, has led to murder charges against their mother.

Sad Discovery of Cleveland Girls Found in Suitcases in a Remote Field

A dog walker found the first suitcase around 6 p.m. Monday and alerted police, according to NBC News. As officers searched the area, detectives located a second shallow grave containing another suitcase with a second child’s body.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said the location sees little foot traffic, making it difficult to determine how long the girls had been there, per NBC News. She said there were “no clear indicators” of the cause of death. Moreover, she noted the bodies appeared to have been buried “for some time.”

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of the remains and began the identification process, per NBC News.

Victims Identified as Half‑Sisters

Police identified the victims as 10‑year‑old Amor Wilson and 8‑year‑old Mila Chatman, both of Cleveland, per FOX 8. DNA testing confirmed the girls were half‑sisters.

The medical examiner has not released their causes of death. Autopsies have been completed, but results remain pending.

Police said the girls were not linked to any active missing persons cases. Investigators are still working to establish a timeline.

Mother Aliyah Henderson Arrested and Charged of Murder for

Authorities announced Thursday that 28‑year‑old Aliyah Henderson, the girls’ mother, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder. She was taken into custody after detectives executed a search warrant at a nearby home and recovered evidence connected to the case.

A child found inside the residence was unharmed and is now in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services, FOX8 reported.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact

Chief Todd said investigators have no additional suspects and are seeking any information that could help clarify the girls’ final days. She urged residents to check home security footage for suspicious activity, including anyone lingering in the area.

Police have launched a 24‑hour tip line at 216‑623‑5464, and tips can also be submitted to Cuyahoga County Crimestoppers at 216‑252‑7463.