GRAPHIC WARNING: This story contains details some may find disturbing.
Antavia Kennibrew says she found her 5-year-old daughter beaten and abused. For her daughter’s safety, the mother is not sharing the girl’s name but describes her as bubbly and sweet.
“I literally saw the worst thing ever! I saw my daughter unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “I couldn’t wrap my head around it.”
The mother says 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.
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 it.”
Cleveland police are investigating but have not released many details about the case. They have confirmed that the victim and suspects are under the age of 10.
The full police statement reads as follows:
The Cleveland Division of Police Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit is actively investigating a case involving multiple children under the age of 10, both as victims and as suspects of the investigation. Given the sensitive nature of the matter, the release of further information at this time could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation and violate the constitutional rights and privacy of those involved.
Kennibrew says the attack left her daughter physically, emotionally and mentally hurt. The 5-year-old is now in therapy.
While her mother is grateful for the support of the community so far, she says she wants help and answers.
“I want her to just be somewhat of a normal 5-year-old again,” Kennibrew said.
No charges have been filed in the case.
