Cleveland playground now a place of mourning for two girls found in suitcases
Cleveland Playground Now a Place of Mourning for Two Girls Found in Suitcases
The Tragic Discovery
Saranac Playground, a local spot on Cleveland’s east side, typically draws children during warm weather. But recently, it has become a site of somber reflection after the bodies of two young girls were uncovered in suitcases and shallow graves. The 8-year-old, Mila Chatman, and her half-sibling, 10-year-old Amor Wilson, were found on Monday, sparking a wave of grief and questions about their deaths.
Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
Aliyah Henderson, the 28-year-old mother of the victims, has been accused of two aggravated murder charges. During her initial court appearance on Friday at Cleveland Municipal Court, she was not questioned about the incident that led to her arrest. Judge Jeffrey Johnson set her bond at $2 million, citing the severity of the allegations and public safety concerns. Henderson, dressed in a blue sweatshirt, appeared composed and only said “Thank you” when the judge wished her good luck.
Father’s Emotional Account
Deshaun Chatman, who claims to be Mila’s father, visited the burial site on Thursday. He told reporters that he had not seen his daughter for years and had repeatedly reached out to the Department of Children and Family Services to secure custody. “I just feel useless,” Chatman said. “I couldn’t save my daughter.”
Investigation Details
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristine Travaglini revealed at the hearing that the girls’ remains were in an advanced state of decomposition. While the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the half-sibling relationship via DNA analysis, it has not disclosed the exact circumstances or timeline of their deaths. Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd noted that neither child showed signs of dismemberment.
Community and Family Impact
A man walking his dog reported the discovery on Monday. The scene, near the Ginn Academy, a public school for boys, was described by Phillip Donaldson as “a pile of dirt” that drew his attention when the dog paused to sniff. “So I went back and looked, and it was a suitcase that was half-buried, and I pulled it up and looked in it, and it was a head. Somebody’s head in it,” Donaldson recounted to WEWS-TV.
Unanswered Questions
Henderson had another child in her home when she was arrested on Wednesday, according to Todd. The child, currently under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services, is reported to be in good health. However, no further details about the child were shared. As the investigation continues, the community gathers at the playground to honor the girls, leaving the mystery of their fate lingering.
Previous Family Mention
In 2019, Henderson and her children were highlighted in a Cleveland Plain Dealer story about a hospital’s initiative to support families in need. The article included a photo of Henderson smiling with her then-3-year-old daughter Amor on her lap and her mother holding Mila, who was nearly two at the time. Henderson had expressed gratitude for the assistance at the time.
NBC News has sought comment from Henderson’s mother but has not yet received a response.
Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital.
