Anthony Edward Sowell

Serial Killer

Anthony Edward Sowell: The Cleveland Strangler

Early Life and Background

Anthony Edward Sowell was born on August 19, 1959, in East Cleveland, Ohio. Raised in a household marked by abuse and neglect, Sowell experienced a traumatic childhood. Family members testified that his mother subjected the children to severe physical abuse. Seeking escape, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 18, serving from 1978 to 1985. During his service, he received several commendations and achieved the rank of Corporal. However, after his honorable discharge, Sowell's life took a darker turn.

Initial Criminal Activities

In 1989, Sowell was arrested for the kidnapping, rape, and attempted rape of a pregnant woman. He had bound, gagged, and choked her in his home. Convicted of attempted rape, he served 15 years in prison and was released in 2005. Upon release, he returned to his family home in Cleveland, where he struggled to reintegrate into society, facing unemployment and battling addictions.

The Murders (2007-2009)

Between 2007 and 2009, Sowell embarked on a gruesome killing spree, targeting vulnerable women in his neighborhood. He lured them to his residence with promises of drugs or alcohol, where he would then assault and strangle them. The following are his known victims:

• Crystal Dozier (38) - Disappeared in May 2007. A mother of seven, her body was discovered buried in Sowell's backyard.
• Tishana Culver (31) - Went missing in June 2008. Her remains were found at Sowell's property.
• Leshanda Long (25) - Last seen in August 2008. Only her skull was recovered inside a bucket in Sowell's basement.
• Michelle Mason (45) - Disappeared in October 2008. Her body was discovered in Sowell's home.
• Tonia Carmichael (53) - Went missing in November 2008. Her remains were found buried in the backyard.
• Kim Yvette Smith (44) - Last seen in January 2009. Her body was among those discovered in the house.
• Nancy Cobbs (45) - Disappeared in April 2009. Her remains were located on Sowell's property.
• Amelda "Amy" Hunter (47) - Went missing in spring 2009. Her body was found in the residence.
• Janice Webb (48) - Last seen in June 2009. Her remains were among those uncovered.
• Telacia Fortson (31) - Disappeared in June 2009. Her body was found in Sowell's home.
• Diane Turner (38) - Went missing in September 2009. Her remains were the last to be identified.

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Confirmed Victims: (11)

Crystal Dozier Age: (35), Date of Death: 2007-05

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Anthony Sowell - Wikipedia

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