A Cleveland mother faces double murder charges after police discovered the bodies of her two young daughters stuffed inside suitcases and buried in shallow graves at a local playground, marking one of the most disturbing child homicide cases in recent Ohio history.
Discovery at Cleveland Playground
Aliyah Henderson, 28, was arrested Wednesday evening and charged with two counts of aggravated murder for allegedly killing 10-year-old Amor Wilson and her 8-year-old half-sister, Mila Chatman. The gruesome discovery occurred Monday evening at a playground near Ginn Academy, Ohio’s only all-boys public high school, when resident Phillip Donaldson’s dog refused to leave a mound of dirt. Donaldson unearthed the first suitcase and found a child’s head inside before immediately calling 911. Cleveland police arrived to find both girls’ bodies, which had been there for some time, according to authorities.
Father’s Five-Year Custody Battle
DeShaun Chatman, Mila’s father, revealed he had been fighting to locate and gain custody of his daughter for five years before learning of her death. Chatman last saw Mila in 2020 when she was three years old. He never married Henderson but lived with her for approximately one year after Mila’s birth. His repeated attempts to obtain emergency custody through child welfare agencies failed because he could not determine where his daughter was living. Police say the girls were living within view of where their bodies were discovered.
Investigation Continues
Cleveland police detained Henderson after completing interviews, searching her residence, and examining evidence. Authorities found another child in Henderson’s home in good health. That child has been placed with the Department of Children and Family Services. The bodies had not been dismembered, according to investigators, though the cause of death remains undetermined pending autopsy results. Cleveland Police Commander James Todd described the case as traumatic for the entire community, particularly residents living near the playground where the bodies were discovered.
What This Means
This case raises serious questions about child welfare oversight and parental rights. A father actively seeking custody and contact with his daughter for five years could not locate her through official channels, while she allegedly lived under dangerous conditions. Henderson remains in Cuyahoga County Jail facing aggravated murder charges. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish a timeline and motive in this tragic case involving two young sisters whose lives were cut short.
And yet this heinous ,vicious murderer will get LIFE as a punishment.
No justice for these little girls.
She must have convinced the girls to get into the suitcase as a game. They couldn’t imagine that their own mother would want to kill them. So sad.
Children’s Services should be investigated and the caseworker and all involved should be held accouintable for neglect! I can relate with the Father, in his quest to gain custody of his precious little girl. My city’s Children Services were quick to act, helped me gain custody of my daughter over a period of years and I am very thankful for their dedication to keeping children their number one goal. Prayers for all who are suffering from this tragety.