Dad of Young Girl Killed and Found in Suitcase Speaks Out for First Time: ‘It Could Have Been Prevented’

**Tragic Discovery of Two Young Girls Found in Suitcases in Cleveland**

In a harrowing incident that has shocked the local community, the bodies of two young girls were discovered stuffed into suitcases in a Cleveland field. The investigation surrounding their deaths has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old woman, sparking a wave of grief and outrage.

The grim finding occurred on March 2 when a person walking their dog stumbled upon one of the suitcases. Upon notifying authorities, police quickly uncovered a second suitcase nearby, containing the bodies of eight-year-old Mila Chatman and ten-year-old Amor Wilson, who were confirmed to be half-siblings.

The father of Mila, DeShaun Chatman, has spoken publicly about his anguish, revealing that he had not seen his daughter in four years. He expressed feelings of helplessness, stating, “I just feel useless. I couldn’t save my daughter.” Chatman, who spoke to Ohio’s Nexstar WJW news outlet under the condition of anonymity, lamented the difficulties he faced in attempting to gain custody of Mila over the years.

In an interview with another local station, WOIO, Chatman described his frustrations, stating, “I’ve been trying to get her for six years. You’ve been ducking me.” He recounts conversations with Mila’s mother, where he pleaded for her to allow him to take care of the child during stressful times. “Just give me her,” he recalled saying, reflecting the desperation he felt in wanting to protect his daughter.

Chatman claimed that despite numerous attempts to involve Child Protective Services (CPS), he was unsuccessful in securing Mila’s safety. According to his account, CPS declined to remove the children from their mother’s custody, citing that the family had a home and a bed. “I don’t know how long she’s been gone, how long she’s been dead. It could have been prevented,” he said, echoing the heartbreak of a father who feels powerless.

Cleveland Division of Police Chief Dorothy Todd expressed her sorrow over the tragic loss of the two young lives, stating that the detectives working on the case approached the investigation with diligence and care. “These were two young lives with their entire futures ahead of them,” Todd affirmed, highlighting the gravity of the situation. She also noted that investigative work, particularly in cases of this nature, often requires a level of confidentiality to maintain the integrity of the inquiry.

Within 48 hours of the discovery, police arrested Aliyah Henderson at a residence and charged her with two counts of aggravated murder in connection with the girls’ deaths. This rapid development in the investigation has provided some measure of closure to the families, though the broader issues surrounding child welfare remain a pressing concern.

Furthermore, authorities noted that a third child was found at Henderson’s home in good health and has since been placed in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services. The investigation is ongoing, with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office working to establish the cause of death for both Mila and Amor.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, there is a growing call for reflection on the systemic issues involved in child custody and protection. The narrative surrounding Mila and Amor’s tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the critical importance of effective protective measures.

In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, families and advocates are urging for enhanced support systems to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The case has ignited dialogues about the responsibilities of child welfare agencies and the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of children at risk.