Context:

An Ohio mother, Aliyah Henderson, faced two counts of aggravated murder for the deaths of her daughters Mila Chatman, 8, and Amor Wilson, 10, whose bodies were found buried in suitcases near Cleveland’s Ginn Academy after a passerby reported a partially buried suitcase on March 2. A custody dispute involving Mila’s father had been ongoing for years. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause of death as authorities continue investigations. Henderson has pleaded not guilty, and a 20-day inpatient competency evaluation has been ordered at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare, pending bed availability. The case foregrounds questions about family dynamics and fully understanding the timeline of events leading to the killings.

Dive Deeper:

• Aliyah Henderson, 28, is charged with two counts of aggravated murder in the deaths of her two daughters, Mila Chatman and Amor Wilson.

• The two girls, ages 8 and 10, were discovered after a man walking his dog found a partially buried suitcase near Ginn Academy in Cleveland and alerted authorities on March 2.

• Two shallow graves were subsequently located where the girls had been shoved and buried in the suitcases.

• Mila’s father, DeShaun Chatman, has said he had been pursuing custody for five years and had sought emergency custody proceedings in the past.

• The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s office is still examining the manner and cause of death as the investigation continues.

• Judge William Vodrey ordered Henderson to undergo a 20-day inpatient competency evaluation at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare once a bed becomes available.

• Henderson has pleaded not guilty to the charges associated with her daughters’ deaths.