Cleveland playground now a place of mourning for two girls found in suitcases

A Cleveland woman has been charged with aggravated murder after the bodies of two young girls were found stuffed in suitcases and buried in a shallow grave at a local playground.

Saranac Playground Deaths: Mother Charged

The victims have been identified as 8-year-old Mila Chatman and her 10-year-old half-sibling, Amor Wilson. Their bodies were discovered Monday at Saranac Playground on Cleveland’s east side, a place typically frequented by children.

Aliyah Henderson, 28, was charged with two counts of aggravated murder and appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court on Friday. Judge Jeffrey Johnson set her bond at $2 million, citing the nature of the allegations and concern for public safety. Henderson, dressed in a blue sweatshirt, remained impassive during the brief hearing, responding with “Thank you” when the judge wished her good luck.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristine Travaglini revealed in court that the bodies of the girls were “badly decomposed.” The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the girls were half-siblings through DNA investigation, but has not yet released information regarding the cause or time of death.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd stated that neither child had been dismembered. Henderson had another child living at her home when police took her into custody, and that child is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, appearing to be in good health.

The discovery was made by a man walking his dog, Phillip Donaldson, who noticed disturbed dirt and a partially buried suitcase. He found a head inside the suitcase. Donaldson stated the pile of dirt had been there for at least a week.

Deshaun Chatman, identified as the father of Mila Chatman, visited the burial site Thursday, stating he hadn’t had contact with his daughter for several years and had repeatedly contacted DCFS about gaining custody. Cuyahoga County spokesperson Jennifer Ciaccia declined to comment on Chatman’s claims, citing the ongoing investigation and confidentiality obligations.

Henderson and her daughters were featured in a 2019 Cleveland Plain Dealer article about a local hospital program assisting struggling families. The article included a photo of Henderson with Amor and Mila.

“I could really use the help,” Henderson said in the 2019 article.