Cleveland Girl, 10, Placed on Home Detention in Brutal Child Attack Case; Co-Accused Boy Absent
In a deeply troubling case unfolding in Cleveland, two children, just 10 and 9 years old, face multiple felony charges, including rape, attempted murder, kidnapping, and strangulation in connection with a brutal September 13 attack on a 5-year-old autistic child.
The incident occurred in a field behind the Collinwood Athletic Complex and left the young affected child hospitalized for days after being beaten, sexually assaulted, and subjected to degrading abuse.
During Wednesday’s arraignment in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, the 10-year-old girl denied all charges through her public defender, Caitlyn Idoine, who also requested a competency evaluation, citing concerns about the child’s understanding of the legal proceedings.
Judge Kristin Sweeney ordered home detention with an ankle monitor, noting the absence of the girl’s parents and the gravity of the allegations.
The 9-year-old boy, also charged in the attack, failed to appear in court, prompting his attorney to request a continuance due to transportation issues. Judge Sweeney warned that a warrant would be issued if he fails to appear again.
The affected child’s mother, visibly emotional, urged the court to prioritize justice for her child: “She has been going through it, and that’s how it should be for the offenders… This type of behavior doesn’t deserve grace.”
The case highlights the need to balance justice for the affected child as well as the child offenders. While the charges are serious, the accused children are entitled to fair treatment, legal support, and rehabilitation under child protection laws.
