Children charged in brutal attack on 5-year-old Cleveland girl to undergo competency restoration

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Two children charged in connection with the brutal assault of a 5-year-old Cleveland girl last year must undergo competency restoration before they can stand trial.

Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge Kristin Sweeney issued her ruling April 1, records show, after the suspects were evaluated by doctors in March.

Last October, prosecutors charged the 11-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy with attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping and strangulation.

The suspects allegedly assaulted the 5-year-old on Sept. 13, 2025 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland.

Antavia Kennibrew, the victim’s mother, previously told 19 News her daughter was beaten, assaulted and scalped.

“This type of behavior doesn’t deserve grace. They knew what they were doing,” Kennibrew said of the suspects in an earlier court hearing. “They were OK with that. They even played after not caring about my baby.”

According to Sweeney, each child must now undergo competency restoration services through the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Diagnostic Clinic.