9-Year-Old Accused in Cleveland Attack Pleads Not Guilty; Family Services Probe Launched
In Cleveland, a harrowing case has unfolded involving two of the youngest children charged with violent crimes in Ohio this year.
A 9‑year‑old boy stood before Judge Kristin Sweeney in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, denying charges of attempted murder and rape in connection with the September attack on a 5‑year‑old autistic girl. Just a week earlier, a 10‑year‑old girl accused in the same incident also denied the charges.
The attack, which took place in a field behind the Collinwood Athletic Complex, left the young affected child beaten, urinated upon, and sexually assaulted. She required several days of hospitalization. Prosecutors allege that the boy and girl were among the primary assailants.
Judge Sweeney ordered both children to remain on home detention with electronic monitoring while the county’s Division of Children and Family Services conducts further investigation.
The courtroom scene was surreal as Judge Sweeney carefully explained due process rights to the 9‑year‑old boy, who appeared barely four feet tall.
His attorney requested that he be released to family members, but prosecutors emphasized the severity of the affected child’s injuries and insisted on strict monitoring.
The affected child’s mother, visibly shaken, pleaded with the court not to allow the accused children to return home, saying they had stolen her daughter’s innocence and changed her life forever.
Judge Sweeney reminded all present that the case still has a long way to go before adjudication. She granted competency hearings for both accused children, recognizing the need to determine whether they truly understand the charges and the proceedings against them.
Children in conflict with the law have the right to due process and legal representation, the right to protection from cruel or degrading treatment, and the right to rehabilitation and reintegration.
