Ten-Year-Old Charged with Rape and Attempted Murder of Five-Year-Old

A 10-year-old girl has been charged with the rape and attempted murder of a five-year-old girl in a disturbing incident in Cleveland, Ohio. The attack, which reportedly took place in September 2023, has shocked the community and led to a heart-wrenching court appearance by the victim’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew.

During a juvenile court hearing, Kennibrew expressed her anguish after hearing the details of the brutal assault on her daughter. The court was informed that the victim had suffered severe injuries, including signs of strangulation and extensive bruising, alongside a scalp injury. The young girl reportedly appeared unresponsive when her mother found her shortly after the incident.

In addition to the 10-year-old girl, a nine-year-old boy has also been charged with the same offenses, including attempted murder and rape. Neither defendant can be publicly identified due to their age. The boy was absent from the court hearing, with his family citing vehicle issues as the reason for his nonappearance. A judge has mandated that he appear before the court within a week, or an arrest warrant will be issued.

Details of the Court Proceedings

The 10-year-old girl was present in court, where she remained silent while the charges were read aloud by the prosecutor. Dressed in a pink coat and wearing a face mask, she is currently under home detention with an electronic monitor. Caitlyn Iodine, the assistant public defender representing the girl, denied the charges and requested the judge to release her to family custody.

The assistant county prosecutor, Oscar Albores, argued for the necessity of home detention and the use of an ankle monitor to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Judge Kristin Sweeney acknowledged the seriousness of the charges and the absence of the girl’s parents, deciding on home detention with monitoring as the appropriate course of action.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The case has sparked outrage and concern within the community, with many calling for justice for the young victim. Kennibrew previously shared the traumatic details of discovering her daughter following the assault, stating, “I found my daughter unresponsive, bloody with her hair pulled from her scalp…” Her emotional testimony highlighted the profound impact the incident has had on both her and her family.

As the investigation continues, the court proceedings are set to unfold further, with the next hearing expected to address the nine-year-old boy’s absence and the ongoing legal implications for the two young defendants. The circumstances surrounding this case raise significant questions about child safety and the judicial treatment of minors involved in serious crimes.