A Cleveland family is struggling to adjust to life without their mother, 32-year-old Sharmaine Forpahl, who was tragically murdered in a domestic dispute on July 10.
Forpahl, a devoted single mother of five, was stabbed multiple times in her home in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Her children, the youngest of whom is just 7 years old, were present during the horrifying incident.
The Tragic Incident
Sharmaine Forpahl’s body was found near the door of her home, just a few steps away from her children, who witnessed the brutal act. According to Cleveland 19 News, the mother of five was “stabbed to death in front of” them.
The suspect, 44-year-old Charles F. Barkley, was arrested and charged with murder. Barkley and Forpahl had been briefly romantically involved, and the incident is believed to have stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Forpahl’s best friend, Ciara Drake, created a GoFundMe page to help provide for the children, who are now left without their mother. Drake described Forpahl as a devoted single mother who had worked hard to provide a safe and loving environment for her children.
The Children’s Struggle
The five children, ranging in age from 7 to 15, are now facing life without their mother. Harlem, the youngest, is still struggling to comprehend that his mother is gone.
Forpahl’s sister, Sky Harmon, shared the heartbreaking reality of how the children are coping, particularly young Harlem, who “doesn’t really understand that his mom is gone yet.” The loss is especially painful for the children, as they were present during the tragedy, and the emotional toll is immense.
“I know you’re playing. … This has got to be a dream,” Harmon tearfully told Cleveland 19 News, expressing the deep sense of loss. Harmon added that she has been holding onto old text conversations with her sister, who was always there to support her, leaving her feeling lost without Forpahl’s presence.
Fundraiser to Support the Family
The GoFundMe fundraiser, which has already raised more than $8,000 of its $10,000 goal, aims to provide financial support for Forpahl’s children, ensuring their well-being and education.
Drake emphasized the importance of helping the children remember their mother and keep her memory alive, especially for the younger ones who may not fully understand the gravity of the loss yet.
“I’m worried about making sure her memory stays alive for her younger children,” Drake said. “Because when you lose someone that young, eventually memories start to fade.”
Remembering Sharmaine
Forpahl’s obituary mentions that a funeral will be held on July 26, providing the community a chance to say their final goodbyes to a mother who was dedicated to her children.
Drake’s message in the GoFundMe fundraiser reflects the love and loss felt by all who knew Sharmaine. “Rest in Peace, Sharmaine. You will always be loved and missed,” she wrote.
The tragedy of Sharmaine Forpahl’s death has left her children in need of support, both emotionally and financially, as they adjust to life without their mother. The community’s outpouring of support through the fundraiser serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together during times of unimaginable loss.
