CLEVELAND – The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Devin Thompson, 29, for stabbing and killing Mitanna Penn, 16, and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old female in Cleveland.

“This case is beyond disturbing and extremely tragic. The defendant’s actions demonstrate a complete disregard for human life. We will pursue justice for Mitanna Penn and every victim harmed by Devin Thompson.”

– Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On October 13, 2026, around 5:55 a.m., 16-year-old Mitanna Penn and a 16-year-old female victim were sleeping inside a residence near Loop Drive and Division Avenue in Cleveland. Devin Thompson entered the residence and stabbed Penn multiple times. He then sexually assaulted the 16-year-old female and fled the scene.

The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department (CMHAPD), the Cleveland Division of Police (CDP), and Cleveland EMS responded to the scene and pronounced Penn deceased. The 16-year-old female victim was transported to a nearby hospital where she was treated for her injuries. Devin Thompson was arrested two days later by CDP. The investigation remains ongoing.

At the time of this incident, Thompson had an active rape warrant for his arrest and had been previously indicted on counts of rape, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and other additional charges.

On October 21, 2026, Devin Thompson was indicted on the following charges:

  • Two counts of Aggravated Murder (UF)
  • One count of Murder (UF)
  • Two counts of Aggravated Burglary (F1)
  • Five counts of Rape (F1)
  • One count of Kidnapping (F1)
  • Two counts of Felonious Assault (F2)
  • 13 counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
  • 13 counts of Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor (F2 and 3)
  • One count of Tampering with Evidence (F3)
  • One count of Menacing by Stalking (F4)
  • One count of Aggravated Menacing (M1)

He will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.

This is a superseding indictment that includes both matters.