Cleveland, OH – Ohio prosecutors have filed attempted murder, rape, assault, kidnapping, and strangulation charges against a 10-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy accused of carrying out a vicious attack on a 5-year-old girl who was left bloodied, scalped, and barely alive in a field. The incident has horrified the Cleveland community and sparked widespread outrage.
The Incident: Child Lured Away and Brutally Assaulted
According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the assault took place on September 13, when the young victim was allegedly lured away by a group of children while visiting a family member’s home in Cleveland, Ohio.
Her mother, Antavia Kennibrew, said her daughter “walked out” the front door unnoticed and encountered several “bigger kids” who appeared friendly.
“They took her by her hand and walked her to a field that was far away from the residence,” Kennibrew wrote on Facebook. “In that field, they beat my daughter until she was unconscious. They ripped out her hair. They held my daughter down as they raped her. They also shoved sticks down her throat and strangled her with her own shirt.”
Kennibrew said the attackers left her daughter naked and covered in snow while they returned to play nearby as if nothing had happened. A family member searching for the missing child confronted the suspects, who denied knowing anything about the girl’s disappearance.
Investigation and Evidence: Children Charged in Shocking Case
The Cleveland Division of Police Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit began investigating the case immediately. In an October 7 post, the department confirmed that “multiple children under the age of 10” were identified as suspects.
On October 16, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced that two children, a 10-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy, were being formally charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder, rape, and kidnapping.
“Based on the evidence we have currently reviewed, two juveniles have been initially charged,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement Wednesday.
Officials have not disclosed whether additional suspects will face charges, but Kennibrew has continued to call for every child involved to be held accountable.
“I pray all kids are able to get prosecuted further down the line,” she said on Facebook.
Authorities said the girl’s injuries were consistent with extreme physical trauma, including hair pulled from her scalp, facial bruising, and internal injuries caused by sexual assault.
Court Proceedings and Legal Challenges
Due to their ages, both suspects will be tried in juvenile court, though prosecutors described the crimes as “among the most violent and disturbing ever committed by children this young.”
Under Ohio law, children under 10 years old are generally presumed incapable of criminal intent. However, in this case, prosecutors have filed petitions alleging premeditation and aggravated assault, allowing the juvenile court to proceed.
Legal experts have said the case could set a precedent for how Ohio handles violent crimes involving very young offenders. Juvenile sentencing in such cases typically focuses on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, but prosecutors have vowed to pursue the harshest penalties possible.
Mother’s Reaction: “I Need Justice for My Daughter”
In several emotional Facebook posts, Antavia Kennibrew described the aftermath of the assault and shared images of her daughter’s injuries.
“Her hair was scalped from her head,” she told. “She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood. Her lips and mouth were filled with blood. Her nails had debris and dirt stuck in them.”
Kennibrew said her daughter has since begun therapy and continues to suffer from physical and emotional trauma.
“I need justice for my daughter,” she wrote. “Their selves and their parents need to be held accountable.”
Her calls for justice have resonated online, with thousands expressing outrage over the brutality and urging authorities to ensure that every participant is prosecuted.
Background Context: Rising Concern Over Juvenile Violence
This case adds to growing national concern over violent crimes committed by children. Experts point to rising incidents of juvenile aggression, often linked to exposure to violence, lack of supervision, and mental health issues.
Child advocates have called for stronger community intervention programs to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing that early behavioral counseling can help deter such acts before escalation.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Prosecutors confirmed that the case remains under active investigation, with additional evidence and witness interviews expected in the coming weeks. They have not ruled out further charges against other minors who may have participated or been present during the assault.
The Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court is expected to schedule hearings in late October. Meanwhile, Kennibrew’s daughter continues her recovery, surrounded by family and counseling support.
Community leaders in Cleveland have announced plans for a public safety awareness campaign focused on child supervision and violence prevention.
Conclusion
The brutal assault on a 5-year-old child by peers as young as 9 and 10 has left Ohio residents stunned and searching for answers. As the case proceeds through juvenile court, prosecutors say their goal is simple — to deliver justice for a little girl whose innocence was stolen and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
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