Prosecutors in Ohio announced on Wednesday that they have filed charges against a 10-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy in connection with the alleged rape and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl last month.

The incident came to light on September 13 when a woman contacted Cleveland police after the young girl she was babysitting vanished. According to WKYC, a witness later reported observing three children leading the girl to a nearby field where the assault occurred.

Authorities discovered the girl curled up in a fetal position in a field located just a short distance from the babysitter’s residence. Although it remains unclear who retrieved the child, officers found her clothing and other critical evidence at the scene.

Following the attack, the girl was admitted to the hospital. Her mother recounted to WEWS the distressing moment when she encountered her injured daughter, covered in bruises and blood, inside an ambulance.

“It was beyond belief,” the mother shared with WOIO.

“My daughter was not my daughter. Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood. Her lips and mouth were filled with blood. Her nails had debris and dirt in it.”

Police said the three juveniles involved in the attack were 10 or younger. It is unclear whether the third juvenile will face charges, but the 1o-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy are charged with attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.

WEWS reported that the two suspects were not arrested, but they received a summons to appear in court.

The suspects have not been publicly named, presumably due to their age. Officials have not said whether they will be prosecuted as adults.

[Feature Photo: WOIO]