Cleveland mother Aliyah Henderson scheduled for common pleas court appearance after two girls found dead in suitcases
Initial court appearance follows discovery of two children’s bodies on Cleveland’s East Side
A Cleveland woman charged in the deaths of two young girls is scheduled to appear in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for an initial appearance and arraignment proceedings at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, marking the next step as the case moves from municipal court into felony prosecution.
Aliyah Henderson, 28, faces two counts of aggravated murder, first-degree felonies. The charges stem from the recovery of two children’s bodies found inside suitcases that had been partially buried in shallow graves in a field near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue, in the area of Ginn Academy on the city’s East Side.
What investigators have confirmed so far
The two victims were identified by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman. The medical examiner’s office determined the children were half-sisters.
Authorities have not publicly released the causes of death. Police officials have said the suitcases appeared to have been in the ground for “some time” before they were discovered. The investigation began after a member of the public alerted police to a suitcase in the field; a second suitcase containing another child’s body was later found nearby.
Victims: Amor Wilson, 10, and Mila Chatman, 8.
Charges: Two counts of aggravated murder.
Location of discovery: Field near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue, near Ginn Academy.
Cause of death: Not publicly released.
Timeline and court posture
Henderson was taken into custody after police identified her as a suspect during the early stages of the investigation. She first appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court, where bond was set at $2 million.
The Wednesday proceeding in Common Pleas Court is significant because aggravated murder prosecutions are handled in that court. At an initial appearance, a judge typically ensures the defendant is informed of the charges and rights, addresses counsel, and considers issues such as bond status and scheduling. A formal plea may be entered at arraignment.
Cleveland police have said the investigation remains active while the medical examiner continues work related to the deaths.
What remains unknown
Key details have not been publicly disclosed, including when the girls died, how long the suitcases were in the field, and what evidence investigators relied upon to file the aggravated murder charges. Authorities have also not released additional allegations that may later be detailed in court filings.
The case has drawn heightened attention in the surrounding neighborhood, where residents have gathered in remembrance of the children while investigators continue to process evidence and prepare for the next stages of prosecution.