Nationwide — Antavia Kennibrew, an African American mother from Cleveland, Ohio, says her 5-year-old daughter was left unrecognizable after being lured away and beaten by a group of boys under 10 years old. She is now demanding justice for her child.
The alleged assault happened on September 13. Kennibrew said her daughter was taken from a family member’s home and found later in a nearby field with severe injuries. She shared the details in a series of emotional social media posts that quickly drew public attention.
Kennibrew said what she saw when she found her daughter was “the worst thing ever.” She described her child as covered in bruises and blood, with patches of her hair missing and her eyes and mouth filled with blood.
“What I saw was unbelievable. My daughter was not my daughter,” she told Cleveland 19.
Cleveland police confirmed they are investigating the case through their Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit. Officials said the case involves several children under the age of 10, both as victims and suspects. Police added that no further details will be released yet, noting that releasing more information could compromise the case and violate privacy rights.
Kennibrew said that three boys, ages 8, 9, and 10, were behind the attack. She claimed they beat and sexually assaulted her daughter until she was unconscious, urinated on her, and tried to strangle her with her own shirt.
Kennibrew said her daughter is now in therapy as she is still struggling emotionally and mentally after the attack.
“She is not the same,” Kennibrew said. “She is having behavioral problems. She is mentally not OK. I am mentally not OK. Me not getting justice for my daughter makes me feel like I failed her.”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page set up to help get justice for her daughter has so far raised over $93,000.