A jury trial opened Wednesday in Cuyahoga County for a man accused of fatally stabbing a Cleveland mother in front of her five children last summer. The defendant, 44-year-old Charles F. Barkley, has been indicted in the death of 32-year-old Sharmaine Magan Forpahl, who was killed in July 2025 in the city’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood.
Trial Opens In Cuyahoga County
According to Cleveland 19, jurors were seated on Wednesday in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, and opening statements were expected to follow. Barkley is facing charges of murder, felonious assault, and domestic violence in connection with Forpahl’s death.
What Happened Last Summer
Forpahl was found dead just a few steps from her front door on July 10, 2025, in the 4200 block of West 57th Street in Old Brooklyn, and a fundraiser for the family states that all five of her children, ages 7 to 15, were present, The Independent reported. Police say they arrested Charles Barkley and charged him in the case, and he remains in custody at the Cuyahoga County jail.
Family Reaction And Support
Friends and relatives have described Forpahl as a devoted mother and organized a fundraiser to support her children in the wake of her death. Her sister, Sky Harmon, told Cleveland 19, “He does not really understand that his mom is gone yet,” referring to one of Forpahl’s children, and said the family is focused on protecting the children’s memories and care going forward.
Legal Stakes And Next Steps
The case will be decided by a jury in Common Pleas court, where prosecutors are expected to present evidence and witness testimony over the coming days or weeks. Ohio’s murder statute is defined in the Ohio Revised Code at ORC 2903.02, and sentencing rules are set out in ORC 2929.02, which generally provides for an indefinite term of 15 years to life for murder convictions.
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