2 children, ages 9 and 10, charged with attempted murder, rape in brutal attack on 5-year-old girl, prosecutors say

GRAPHIC WARNING: This story contains details some may find disturbing.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – Two children, ages 9 and 10, are facing several serious charges, including attempted murder and rape, after prosecutors say they brutally attacked a 5-year-old girl in Cleveland.

According to Cuyahoga County prosecutors, the two children have been charged in connection with the assault that occurred last month.

EN ESPAÑOL | Niños de 9 y 10 años acusados de intento de asesinato y violación tras ataque brutal a niña de 5

Prosecutors say a 9-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl are facing initial charges of attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping and strangulation.

Antavia Kennibrew, the victim’s mother, said she dropped her daughter off Sept. 13 at a family member’s home in Cleveland. Somehow, the 5-year-old walked out the front door and was allegedly badly beaten by a group of kids outside.

When Kennibrew found out, she rushed over and saw EMS treating her daughter several blocks over.

“What I saw was unbelievable,” she said. “My daughter was not my daughter. Her hair was scalped from her head. 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.”

Given the sensitive nature of the matter and the age of the suspects, police have not released further details about the attack.

Kennibrew says the attack left her daughter physically, emotionally and mentally hurt. The 5-year-old is now in therapy.

“I want her to just be somewhat of a normal 5-year-old again,” Kennibrew said.

Police are continuing to investigate.