The heartbreaking story of A’marie Jones, a 5-year-old autistic girl, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice after she was assaulted by older neighborhood children while staying at a trusted family member’s home in the East 145th area of Saint Clair, Ohio.
Her mother, Antavia Kennibrew, took to Facebook to share the devastating incident, revealing that A’marie was found injured and traumatized near a garden in East 148th after going missing on September 13, 2025.
Kennibrew said she had left her daughter in the care of relatives while she underwent a medical procedure. Moments later, she received a frantic call that her daughter had disappeared. When she arrived, emergency crews were already at the scene.
“When I reached the EMS truck, my baby was unresponsive, with bruises all over, her hair pulled out, her body dirty, and a large bump on her head,” Kennibrew wrote. “She didn’t look like herself. She was shaking, terrified, and completely traumatized.”
According to Kennibrew, a group of three children — two boys and one girl, aged around 8, 9, and 10 — had approached A’marie, pretending to play with her before leading her to a nearby field, where they allegedly attacked and left her injured. The same children later returned with their mother and revealed where the girl could be found.
Her clothes and shoes were discovered scattered around the area. A family member rushed A’marie home and contacted authorities.
Despite the seriousness of the case, Kennibrew said she was told that the two boys cannot be charged due to their young age, leaving her family frustrated and heartbroken.
“These are not just kids being kids,” Kennibrew said. “What they did was cruel and deliberate — and they, along with their parents, need to be held accountable.”
Kennibrew said she has contacted Legal Aid, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and crisis support centers seeking advocacy for her daughter. She has also reached out to the Mayor of Cleveland’s office, though she has yet to receive a response.
A’marie is now receiving therapy to cope with the trauma. Kennibrew said both she and her daughter are struggling to heal, calling for public support and prayers.
“She’s only five. No child deserves this,” Kennibrew wrote. “Please help us get justice for A’marie.”
The incident has since trended under #JusticeForAmarieJones, as the community demands accountability and improved protections for vulnerable children.
