Fugitive Accused of Killing 16-Year-Old Boy and Raping Pregnant Teen Faces 42 Criminal Charges in Ohio
Fugitive Accused of Killing 16-Year-Old Boy and Raping Pregnant Teen Faces 42 Criminal Charges in Ohio
A 29-year-old man accused of breaking into a Cleveland home, fatally stabbing a teenage boy and sexually assaulting a pregnant 16-year-old girl is facing dozens of criminal charges after a grand jury returned a sweeping indictment. The disturbing case has raised serious questions about how the suspect allegedly remained at large despite already facing previous sexual offense charges.

Authorities identified the suspect as Devin Thompson, who was wanted on an outstanding rape warrant when the alleged crimes occurred. According to prosecutors, Thompson allegedly entered a residence in Cleveland, Ohio, shortly before 6 a.m. on October 13, 2026, where two teenagers were staying.
Once inside the home, Thompson is accused of attacking and killing 16-year-old Mitanna Penn before sexually assaulting a pregnant 16-year-old girl. Investigators say the female victim was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment after emergency responders arrived. Penn was pronounced dead at the scene.
The alleged attack shocked the victims’ families and added another disturbing chapter to a case involving a suspect who had already been accused of serious sexual offenses. According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, Thompson had previously been indicted on charges including rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. He was also the subject of an active warrant for rape at the time of the October 13 incident.
Following the alleged crimes, Thompson fled the scene. Cleveland police officers apprehended him two days later, on October 15, according to reports. Investigators continued gathering evidence as prosecutors worked to build their case against him.
On October 21, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Thompson with 42 criminal counts. The charges include two counts of aggravated murder, one count of murder, two counts of aggravated burglary, five counts of rape, one count of kidnapping and two counts of felonious assault. He also faces 13 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person, 13 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, as well as charges of tampering with evidence, menacing by stalking and aggravated menacing.
The indictment combines the allegations arising from the latest incident with charges stemming from earlier accusations. Although the number and severity of the charges underscore the seriousness of the case, the allegations must still be addressed through the criminal justice system, and Thompson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley condemned the alleged conduct following the grand jury’s decision, describing the case as deeply disturbing and tragic. He said prosecutors would pursue justice for Penn and every other person allegedly harmed by Thompson.
Meanwhile, Penn’s family is struggling to cope with the loss of the teenager. His aunt, Micháela Penn, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, remembering him as a lively young person whose smile could brighten a room. She expressed the family’s heartbreak over his death and vowed to continue seeking answers and accountability.
For Penn’s loved ones, the legal proceedings cannot undo the loss of a teenager whose life was cut short. The case also raises troubling questions about the alleged offenses Thompson was previously facing and the circumstances surrounding the outstanding warrant. As the investigation and prosecution move forward, authorities will seek to establish the evidence behind each charge and determine legal responsibility for the alleged crimes.
Thompson remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center later this year. The case remains ongoing.
Source: People Magazine