Cleveland Suitcase Deaths: Father Claims CPS Neglect Could Have Saved Daughter

Two young girls were found dead in suitcases in Cleveland. This is a tragic case that could have been prevented according to the father.
By Newsroom | Crime, Ohio |

Two Young Girls Found Deceased, One Father Alleges Neglect

The father of Mila Chatman, an 8-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a suitcase in Cleveland, has publicly stated that the tragedy "could have been prevented." Deshaun Chatman claims he had prior contact with Child Protective Services (CPS) and legal avenues, asserting that a simpler intervention could have saved his daughter's life.

Dad of Girl Found Dead in Suitcase Says He Talked to CPS: 'It Could Have Been Prevented' - 1

The grim discovery, which also involved the body of a second, 10-year-old girl named Amor Wilson, has prompted Cleveland police to arrest a 28-year-old woman, Aliyah Henderson. Authorities found the bodies on March 2nd, a finding made by someone walking a dog in a Cleveland field. Both girls were reportedly related, according to the local medical examiner's office.

Dad of Girl Found Dead in Suitcase Says He Talked to CPS: 'It Could Have Been Prevented' - 2

Chatman asserts he has not seen Mila for four years, and detailed his alleged attempts to gain custody. "You're feeling stressed… give me her," he stated, articulating a perceived simple solution to prevent the circumstances leading to their deaths. The cause of death for both children has not yet been publicly released by the medical examiner.

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Dad of Girl Found Dead in Suitcase Says He Talked to CPS: 'It Could Have Been Prevented' - 3

Investigations and Allegations

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd confirmed that neither body showed signs of dismemberment. Detectives discovered a second suitcase containing a body near the initial find. At the time of the initial reports, police stated the victims were not linked to any active missing persons cases in the immediate area.

Dad of Girl Found Dead in Suitcase Says He Talked to CPS: 'It Could Have Been Prevented' - 4

Henderson's arrest came within 48 hours of the discovery. Police officials indicated her name would be released once certain protocols were met. Chatman is reportedly cooperating with detectives to solidify his claim as Mila's father. He expressed a profound sense of grief and anger over the "terrible truth" of his daughter's death.

Background of the Discovery

The discovery of the two young girls, identified as Mila Chatman and Amor Wilson, stuffed into suitcases and buried in shallow graves, has cast a shadow over Cleveland. The initial report from a civilian led to a homicide investigation, uncovering the second body shortly after. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under intense scrutiny as authorities piece together the events leading to this outcome. The relationship between the two young victims has been confirmed by the coroner, adding another layer to the unfolding tragedy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Mila Chatman and Amor Wilson in Cleveland?
The bodies of 8-year-old Mila Chatman and 10-year-old Amor Wilson were found in suitcases in a field in Cleveland on March 2nd. A 28-year-old woman, Aliyah Henderson, has been arrested.
Q: Why does Mila Chatman's father claim the deaths could have been prevented?
Mila's father, Deshaun Chatman, states he had prior contact with Child Protective Services (CPS) and believes they could have intervened to prevent his daughter's death. He claims he had tried to gain custody of Mila.
Q: What do police say about the discovery of the girls' bodies?
Cleveland police found two bodies in suitcases in shallow graves. Detectives confirmed neither body showed signs of dismemberment. The victims were not linked to active missing persons cases at the time of discovery.
Q: What is the cause of death for the two young girls?
The cause of death for Mila Chatman and Amor Wilson has not yet been released by the medical examiner's office. Investigations are ongoing.
Q: Who is Aliyah Henderson and why was she arrested in Cleveland?
Aliyah Henderson, a 28-year-old woman, was arrested within 48 hours of the discovery of the bodies. Police have not yet released the specific charges against her, but she is linked to the case.