Five children are grappling with the unimaginable loss of their mother, Sharmaine Forpahl, a 32-year-old single mom, who was tragically murdered on July 10, 2025. Sharmaine was fatally stabbed in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, while her children, the youngest of whom is only 7 years old, were present at the scene.
Tragic Incident
According to Cleveland 19 News, police discovered Forpahl’s body near the door of her home after she was stabbed multiple times. Her children, who were at the home at the time, witnessed the horrifying crime. A GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Forpahl’s best friend, Ciara Drake, described the scene, stating that Forpahl was “stabbed to death in front of” her kids, leaving them devastated and without their mother.
Arrest and Charges
Charles F. Barkley, a 44-year-old man with whom Forpahl had briefly been romantically involved, was arrested and charged with her murder. The Cleveland Division of Police has not yet responded to requests for further comment. Drake described the crime as stemming from a “domestic dispute,” but further details have not been disclosed.
The Impact on Forpahl’s Children
Forpahl’s children, ranging in age from 7 to 15 years old, are left to cope with the profound loss of their mother. Drake, who created the GoFundMe for the children, described Forpahl as a “devoted single mother” who had recently moved into a new home to create a loving, safe environment for her children.
The children, especially the youngest, Harlem, are struggling to understand the tragedy. “Harlem doesn’t really understand that his mom is gone yet,” said Forpahl’s sister, Sky Harmon. “It’s just so sad they have to go through that at such a young age.” Harmon added that she has been re-reading old text conversations with her sister, struggling to accept the loss of someone who was always there for her.
A Community’s Effort to Remember
The GoFundMe fundraiser, which has already raised over $8,000 of its $10,000 goal as of July 19, 2025, aims to provide financial support for the children’s education and well-being. Drake also hopes the fundraiser will help preserve the memory of Forpahl for her younger children, especially as time passes and memories begin to fade.
Harmon shared her grief, saying it’s hard to imagine life without her sister, who was always a phone call away. “When I need something, that’s who I’m FaceTiming,” Harmon tearfully recalled. “I can’t do that anymore. It’s like, ‘Who do I got?’”
A Community United in Grief
A funeral for Forpahl will be held on July 26, 2025, according to her obituary. In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the community is coming together to support the children left behind and ensure their mother’s memory lives on.
The murder of Sharmaine Forpahl has left five children without a mother, a tragic loss that will forever impact their lives. As they adjust to their new reality, the community’s support through the GoFundMe fundraiser offers hope for their future. As Forpahl’s sister, Sky Harmon, said, “She will always be loved and missed,” and her memory will live on through the efforts to support her children.
