Cleveland mother faces aggravated murder charges after two young daughters’ bodies found buried in suitcases

What authorities say happened

A Cleveland mother has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder after investigators discovered the bodies of her two young daughters buried in separate suitcases in a field near Ginn Academy in the city’s South Collinwood neighborhood.

The case began Monday, March 2, 2026, when a dog walker alerted police after noticing a suitcase in the field. Officers responding to the area near East 163rd Street and Midland Avenue located two suitcases partially buried in shallow graves, about 25 feet apart. Police secured the scene and launched a homicide investigation.

Identification of the children

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the girls as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman. DNA relationship testing established that they were half-sisters. In the days immediately following the discovery, authorities said it was not yet clear how the girls died and indicated the bodies had been at the site for some time.

Charges and initial court proceedings

Police arrested Aliyah Henderson, 28, and filed aggravated murder charges alleging she killed the two children. Prosecutors have also referenced child-endangering allegations in connection with the case.

On Friday, March 6, 2026, a Cleveland judge set Henderson’s bond at $2 million during a brief court appearance. Prosecutors told the court they found no prior criminal record for her. Her public defender said Henderson had housing and had been seeking work. Following the initial municipal-court phase, the case was referred to a Cuyahoga County grand jury; subsequent proceedings have moved through Common Pleas Court scheduling and arraignment steps.

Other children and the continuing investigation

Authorities have said a third child was found alive in a home searched during the investigation and was placed with child welfare authorities. Investigators have not publicly detailed that child’s relationship to the victims or any timeline for the events leading to the deaths.

Separately, court records reviewed in connection with the case indicate detectives have expanded their inquiry beyond the charged suspect, examining potential information held by relatives and other individuals connected to the family. Police have not announced additional charges.

Key verified facts at a glance

• The suitcases were found Monday, March 2, 2026, in a field near Ginn Academy in South Collinwood.
• The victims were identified as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman, half-sisters confirmed through DNA relationship testing.
• Aliyah Henderson, 28, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder.
• Bond was set at $2 million on March 6, 2026; the case was referred to a grand jury and proceeded into Common Pleas Court.
• A third child was located alive during the investigation and placed with child welfare authorities.

Henderson has not been convicted. The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system as investigators continue to develop evidence and prosecutors present it in upcoming hearings.