Vigil planned in Cleveland for two girls found dead in suitcases near Ginn Academy field

Community gathering set as investigation continues

A community vigil is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Cleveland to remember two young girls whose bodies were found earlier this week in suitcases partially buried in a field near Ginn Academy on the city’s East Side. The gathering is planned for 4 p.m. at the discovery site in the South Collinwood area.

The case began Monday evening when police responded to a report of a suspected dead body in a field near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue. Investigators located a second suitcase a short distance away, also containing human remains. Authorities said the bodies appeared to have been at the location for an extended period, though investigators have not publicly established a timeline.

Identification and relationship confirmed through DNA testing

By Thursday, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the girls’ identities and their relationship through preliminary DNA testing. The girls were identified as 8-year-old Mila and 10-year-old Amor, who were half-sisters. Officials said the cause and manner of death had not been determined at the time of the announcements, and additional information would be released as findings become available.

Police officials have said the circumstances did not immediately align with any active missing-persons investigations in the area at the time the bodies were found, adding to the complexity of identifying the victims and reconstructing the events leading to their deaths.

Criminal case developments

Authorities have charged the girls’ mother, 28-year-old Kristina Henderson, with two counts of aggravated murder in connection with the deaths. Cleveland police said Henderson was detained Wednesday evening following interviews and an initial review of evidence. Court proceedings, including an arraignment in Cleveland Municipal Court, were expected Friday.

During the investigation, police also reported that a child was found inside a home searched by investigators and was placed in the custody of child welfare authorities.

What officials say is still unknown

Investigators have not publicly described how the girls died, when they were killed, or how long the suitcases were in the field before being found. Police have urged anyone with information to contact investigators, emphasizing that community tips can be critical in establishing timelines, movements, and potential witnesses.

• Discovery: Monday evening, in a field near Ginn Academy in South Collinwood
• Victims: Mila, 8, and Amor, 10, identified as half-sisters
• Charges: Mother charged with two counts of aggravated murder
• Vigil: Friday at 4 p.m. at the site of the discovery

The vigil is planned as both a memorial for the girls and a moment for neighbors to gather while the criminal investigation and medical examiner’s work continue.