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Cleveland, OH

Family of teen killed during 2019 Cleveland police chase to receive $4.8M in settlement

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Family of teen killed during 2019 Cleveland police chase to receive .8M in settlement


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The family of Tamia Chappman, the 13-year-old girl killed in 2019 during a chase between a stolen car and Cleveland police officers, announced Monday they have settled their civil lawsuit with the city of Cleveland for $4.8 million.

The settlement is the largest pursuit settlement in the state of Ohio.

Tamia died Dec. 20, 2019 after the car, stolen by two teenagers, crashed into her in East Cleveland during the high-speed pursuit. A Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas judge sentenced the 16-year-old driver in Oct. of 2021 to a prison term of 26 to 31 years, with at least nine years being mandatory.

The second teen, who was a passenger, pleaded guilty in juvenile court in April 2020 and was sentenced to four years at the Ohio Department of Youth Services.

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RELATED STORY: Teen driver sentenced to at least 26 years for chase which ended in crash that killed 13-year-old girl

Tamia’s family filed a lawsuit against the city in May of 2020.

The Chappman family attorneys said former Mayor Frank Jackson and then-police chief Calvin Williams did not apologize for the deadly chase that occurred during their tenure.

A public records request from 19 News revealed the city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, as of May 2023, to defend itself in the civil suit.

RELATED STORY: City of Cleveland spends hundreds of thousands to fight lawsuit in death of 13-year-old Tamia Chapman

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City spokesperson Tyler Sinclair released the following statement to 19 News:

The City’s decision to settle this case was an extremely difficult one. The police pursuit in question was initiated due to a violent armed carjacking of an innocent 72-year-old woman outside of a grocery store. The criminals were quickly identified and cowardly chose to flee from police leading to the tragic death of an innocent 13-year-old girl. They were arrested, later convicted of crimes related to both incidents, and are currently serving decades-long prison sentences.

On one hand, you have police officers who were trying to do their job to remove violent armed individuals from the streets so they couldn’t victimize more people and commit additional violent crimes. On the other hand, a 13-year-old girl was tragically killed leaving her family, friends, and entire community in heartbreak.

The City had to consider all relevant factors prior to this outcome, including a potential trial and additional costs, but we want to be clear that there are no winners or losers in a case as tragic as this one and – while it is easy to point fingers one way or another – the fact remains that if the armed carjacker never committed that crime then Tamia would still be here with us today.

Additionally, it would be inaccurate to suggest that the City has not made any progress under the consent decree since this incident, as the Division of Police received upgraded compliance from the independent Monitoring Team in 35 benchmarks – equating to a 400% net increase – just last year, which includes improvements in Use of Force, Accountability, and numerous other categories. We look forward to building on that progress in the months to come.

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This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.



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Cleveland, OH

Joseph M. Plavac Obituary – Westlake, OH (1930-2026)

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Joseph M. Plavac Obituary – Westlake, OH (1930-2026)



Joseph M. Plavac


OBITUARY

Joseph M. Plavac, age 95, of Westlake, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026. He was born September 3, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio.Beloved husband of Helen (deceased); dear father of Rev. Timothy Plavac and Andrea Boerger (Kenneth); grandfather of Zachary (Alicia); great grandfather of Kenny; brother of Donald (deceased)(Jean), Ralph(deceased)(Joann), Sister Ann Barbara and the deceased: George (Mary), Nicholas, Milan (Anna Mae) and Mary Dobos (Andy); son of the deceased: Nicholas and Mary.Joe’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of Joe’s caregivers over the past few years, including the staff of Emerald Village in North Olmsted, the nurses and staff of Concord Reserve in Westlake, who took such loving care of him and the staff of Hospice of the Western Reserve, especially Cindy and Erin. Their kindness and compassion always brought a smile to his face.Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joseph at The DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills, 28890 Chardon Rd.(between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91), Sunday, March 8, from 3-6pm. Funeral Mass, Monday, 11am at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor. Additional calling hours will take place at church from 10-11am before Mass. Interment All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72700, Cleveland, OH 44192 or School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King 13900 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439. For a detailed history of Joe’s life, please visit golubfuneralhome.com.



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Ohio gas prices spike as oil prices soar

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Ohio gas prices spike as oil prices soar


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas has gone up by 34 cents since Monday.

The continued uncertainty over the new war with Iran is driving crude oil prices sharply higher.

At the time this article was published, oil is trading at $90 witch is up 11% just today.

In Cleveland, gas has gone from $2.87 over this past weekend to $3.28 today according to the price tracking website Gasbuddy.com.

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AAA has put out reminders on how to maximize you gas mileage:

  • Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
  • Reduce trips and lighten your load. Limit the amount of cargo in your vehicle when possible.
  • Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption. Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle.
  • Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine. Even in winter, idling, and warming up an engine are unnecessary and wastes fuel.
  • Look ahead. When approaching a red light or stop sign, let off the gas early and allow the vehicle to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
  • Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on wet roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
  • Take advantage of fuel savings programs. AAA members have access to savings when filling up at Shell gas stations. More information is available at AAA.com/Shell.



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Cleveland, OH

Woman, 28, arrested for murder after 2 young girls found in suitcases on Cleveland’s east side

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Woman, 28, arrested for murder after 2 young girls found in suitcases on Cleveland’s east side


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland police have charged a 28-year-old woman with aggravated murder and child endangering for the deaths of two young girls found buried in suitcases on the city’s east side.

Aliyah Henderson was arrested Wednesday evening at a home on E. 162nd after officers executed a search warrant. She was then booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail.

Aliyah Henderson(Julia Thyret | (Source: Cuyahoga County Sheriff))

Cleveland police said a third child was found inside the home and appeared to be in good health. That child is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman
10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman(N/A)

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the two girls as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman. The girls are also half-sisters.

The bodies of the two half-sisters were found in partially buried suitcases around 6 p.m. Monday near E. 162nd Street and Midland Avenue.

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This is in the city’s South Collinwood neighborhood.

A man was walking his dog in the area, for the first time in a while, due to the snow, and the dog hit on the scent.

The man immediately called 911.

When officers and homicide detectives got to the field, they found the second body nearby.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said the victims had been there for some time.

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“These were two young lives with their entire futures ahead of them,” said Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd. “Our detectives worked tirelessly and with great care to identify those responsible. Investigations of this nature require patience, precision, and discretion. Unlike what is often portrayed on television, every detail cannot be shared publicly. Certain information must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure justice for these victims. That careful and methodical work allowed our detectives to develop the evidence needed to make quick identification of a person of interest, ultimately resulting in an arrest.”

Henderson will be in the Cleveland Municipal Court on Friday at 8:30 a.m.

If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.

Tips can remain anonymous.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the two girls as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and...
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the two girls as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman. The girls are also half-sisters.(WOIO)

A memorial where the two girls were found has continued to grow with teddy bears, flowers, balloons and more throughout the day.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the two girls as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and...
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the two girls as 10-year-old Amor Wilson and 8-year-old Mila Chatman. The girls are also half-sisters.(WOIO)

Cleveland Missing’s resources can be found here.



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