Share and Follow
***Catch up on previous reports by viewing the video above***
CLEVELAND (WJW) – A shocking case has emerged involving a woman now facing murder charges after the tragic discovery of two young girls found deceased and concealed in suitcases earlier this week.
Aliyah Henderson, aged 28, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder, according to the latest updates.
Authorities have confirmed to FOX 8 that Henderson is the mother of the deceased children.
The grim finding occurred on Monday, March 2, when a dog walker stumbled upon the suitcases partially buried in shallow graves near Ginn Academy, as reported by the FOX 8 I-Team.
Police officials confirmed to FOX 8 that Henderson is the victims’ mother.
The bodies of the two girls were discovered Monday, March 2, in suitcases partially buried in shallow graves near Ginn Academy by a dog walker, the FOX 8 I-Team reported.
Officers who responded to the scene found a second suitcase nearby, Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd told reporters Tuesday.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman, both of Cleveland. DNA testing previously confirmed that the victims, both Black, are half-sisters.
The medical examiner did not release any more information at this time, stating the cause of death in both cases is pending.
Late Wednesday, the FOX 8 I-Team learned that the 28-year-old woman was being questioned.
Police returned Wednesday to the area near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue to execute a search warrant at a nearby home, according to Cleveland police spokesperson Sgt. Freddy Diaz.
Thursday morning, police confirmed the woman was arrested.
Police said a child was also located in the home where the woman was taken into custody.
The child was reportedly in good health and now in custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.
Officials also have not released the causes of death. The medical examiner tells FOX 8 that autopsies have been conducted.
Todd said investigators believe the suitcases had been buried for “some time”, but it remains unclear exactly how long the girls’ bodies were in the field before they were discovered.
The Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit is asking the public for help as the investigation continues. Detectives have launched a 24-hour tip line at 216-623-5464.
Todd also urged residents to review home security camera footage for any suspicious activity, including anyone lingering in the area who may not belong there.
Tips can also be submitted to Cuyahoga County Crimestoppers at 216-252-7463.