Two young girls found dead inside suitcases in Cleveland have now been identified, and their mother has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder.
Police say the bodies of 8-year-old Mila Chatman and 10-year-old Amor Wilson were discovered Monday, March 2, after a dog walker spotted a suitcase in a field near Ginn Academy on Cleveland’s east side. When officers arrived, they located a second suitcase nearby containing the remains of the other child.
Authorities later arrested the girls’ mother, 28-year-old Aliyah Henderson, within 48 hours of the discovery. She was charged on Thursday, March 5, with two counts of aggravated murder in connection with the deaths. During her arraignment Friday in Cleveland Municipal Court, a judge set Henderson’s bond at $1 million for each charge.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the girls were half-sisters. Autopsies have been completed, though officials say the cause of death is still pending.
As the investigation continues, Mila’s father, DeShaun Chatman, says he is devastated and struggling with the loss of his daughter.
“I just feel useless. I couldn’t save my daughter,” Chatman said in an interview with Nexstar’s WJW.
Chatman said he had not seen Mila in about four years and believes he was repeatedly prevented from having a relationship with her, despite attempts to gain custody. He said he also contacted Child Protective Services several times while trying to be more involved in his daughter’s life.
“When it was something so simple. Just give me her. You’re feeling stressed, give me her,” he said. “I’ve been trying to get her for six years. You’ve been ducking me. You told me I was too family-oriented. That’s why you ain’t giving my daughter.”
He also said he believes the tragedy could have been avoided.
“I don’t know how long she’s been gone, how long she’s been dead. I don’t know how long she’s been missing, but it could have been prevented,” Chatman said.
Police said Henderson was taken into custody at a residence where another child was also found inside the home. Authorities reported the child appeared to be in good health and has since been placed in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.
The investigation remains ongoing.
