News Summary
A five-year-old girl is recovering from severe injuries after being attacked by multiple children in Cleveland. Her mother is seeking justice and community support while highlighting the need for child safety. Witnesses say the girl, who has autism, sustained extensive injuries and spent a week in the hospital. The investigation is ongoing but no charges have been filed yet. The incident raises concerns about bystander responsibilities and community involvement in protecting children.
Cleveland – A five-year-old girl is recovering from severe injuries after a brutal attack involving multiple children in Cleveland. Her mother, Antavia Kennibrew, is calling for justice and community support following the traumatic experience her daughter endured.
On September 13, Kennibrew left her daughter, who has been diagnosed with autism, at a family member’s house near 145th and St. Clair. After learning that her daughter had walked out of the house, Kennibrew rushed to the scene, where she found her daughter being treated by emergency medical services (EMS). Upon arrival, she discovered that her daughter had sustained extensive injuries, including being scalped, with blood covering her body and bruises on her face.
According to police reports from the incident, three children, aged 8, 9, and 10, were allegedly involved in the attack that occurred in a field behind the Collinwood Athletic Complex. Witnesses reported seeing the assault take place, and some children at the scene led authorities to the location where the young girl was found naked and in a fetal position. Eyewitness accounts detailed further abuses, including being struck in the face with a rock and strangled. A rape kit, the victim’s torn braids, and her clothing were collected as physical evidence. There is also mention of “video evidence,” although details regarding its content have not been disclosed.
The young girl spent approximately a week in the hospital following the attack, and when she awakened, she exhibited signs of fear by expressing that she believed she had died. Since the incident, she has been receiving therapy and is facing various emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges, including violent and suicidal thoughts. Kennibrew noted that her daughter’s once joyful spirit had been significantly impacted by the trauma.
The ongoing investigation into this incident is being conducted by the Cleveland Division of Police Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit. Currently, no charges have been filed against the alleged attackers as police continue to gather evidence and information. Kennibrew has acquired legal representation and has expressed her determination to advocate for her daughter until justice is achieved.
Witness testimony highlighted an unsettling aspect of the incident: several individuals observed the attack but failed to intervene, a fact that has raised concerns within the community. The assault’s severity and the youth of both the victim and the alleged attackers have drawn widespread attention, prompting discussions on child safety and the responsibilities of bystanders.
In light of this horrific event, Kennibrew is actively seeking community support to aid her daughter in her healing process as she copes with the aftermath of the attack. Her commitment to seeking justice not only for her daughter but also for other children who may be at risk serves as a rallying cry for the community to become more aware and involved in protecting its youngest members.
As investigators continue their work, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only brings justice for one young girl but also sparks broader conversations about child safety and prevention of such heinous acts.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Witnesses Corroborate Allegations
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Cleveland 19: Cleveland Police Connect Kid Suspects
- Google Search: Cleveland police case involving children
- News 5 Cleveland: Mother Seeks Justice
- Google Scholar: Child Safety Awareness
- Cleveland.com: US Marshals Arrest Fugitive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Fox 26 Houston: Choir Instructor Sexual Assault
- Google News: Child Assault Cleveland
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
