Tragic Discovery: Two Young Girls Found Deceased in Cleveland Playground

The bodies of two young girls, 8-year-old Mila Chatman and 10-year-old Amor Wilson, were discovered in shallow graves within suitcases at Saranac Playground in Cleveland. The discovery occurred on Monday, initiating a local investigation that has garnered national attention.

Legal Proceedings Commence

Aliyah Henderson, 28, the mother of the two girls, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder.

During her initial court appearance in Cleveland Municipal Court on Friday, Municipal Court Judge Jeffrey Johnson set her bond at $2 million.

The judge cited the nature of the allegations and concerns for public safety.

Ms. Henderson offered a brief "Thank you" in response to the judge's remarks.

Investigation Details Unfold

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristine Travaglini stated during the hearing that the girls' bodies were "badly decomposed." The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed through DNA analysis that the girls were half-siblings but has not yet released information on the cause or time of death. Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd confirmed that the children were not dismembered.

Upon Ms. Henderson's arrest on Wednesday, another child residing at her home was taken into custody by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The child reportedly appeared to be in good health.

The Discovery at the Playground

The discovery at the playground was made by a man walking his dog. The dog located one body, and subsequent police investigation uncovered a second body in another shallow grave. Phillip Donaldson, the individual who made the discovery, reported finding a partially buried suitcase containing a head. He stated that the dirt pile had been present for approximately a week.

Family Background and Prior Contact

Deshaun Chatman, identified as Mila Chatman's father, visited the discovery site and informed reporters that he had not had contact with his daughter for several years. He mentioned previous attempts to gain custody of Mila, including contact with DCFS. Cuyahoga County spokesperson Jennifer Ciaccia declined to provide further information on any DCFS involvement, citing an "active criminal investigation" and confidentiality laws.

In 2019, Ms. Henderson and her daughters were featured in a Cleveland Plain Dealer article about a local hospital's program designed to assist struggling families.