Cleveland: Relatives hold vigil for missing, fear worst in serial killings

CLEVELAND -- Friends and families of a number of women reported missing in recent months and years in Cleveland, gathered outside a house where the bodies of six women were found.

They lit candles, carried pictures of their loved ones, and leaned on each other as they awaited word on the identities of the women, at least five of whom had been strangled.

"I believe my mother is going to be one of these women," Donita Carmichael announced to crowd of about 100 people, who stood for more than an hour Monday evening in the early November chill.

"She went missing from East 118th and Kinsman, right around the corner. Right around the corner."

Carmichael fears her mother was a victim of Anthony Sowell now being held by Cleveland Police, who found six bodies in his attic, backyard, and basement late last week.

When organizers of the candlelight vigil asked relatives and friends to hold up pictures of the missing, dozens of posters, pictures, and flyers were displayed above the crowd, a sight that sent shivers through many of the onlookers.

"This is like something from a horror movie," said a neighborhood resident who told WKYC he "just had to be here." Another added, "This is just not right. I never thought I would see something like this. On my own street."

Inez Fortson of East Cleveland could hardly breathe as she held a large color picture of her daughter, Telacia, 31, who vanished five months ago.

"She might be one of the victims, and I don't know," Inez Fortson sighed. "It's tearing me apart."

One after another, relatives of the missing came forward with pictures and flyers. Some hoped their loved ones would not be identified as one of the victims in Sowell's house, others prayed for closure.

"I'm shaking so bad because I'm nervous and waiting on things to come to a head," was about all Janice Webb was able to say, her hands trembling as she held a poster with a picture of her sister Janice, who vanished without a trace in June.

"This is madness," announced a man who has lived on Imperial Avenue for years. Behind him another resident held high a sign which read "Stop the Madness."

Many wondered if authorities had overlooked possible warning signs of trouble at Sowell's house over the years. Many had complained of a stench that at times wafted over the corner of East 123rd and Imperial.

"Everytime I used to walk to the store, I used to smell this foul smell, you know every time the wind blows," Denise Scott told WKYC. Her cousin Nancy Cobbs, who lived one street from Anthony Sowell, disappeared mysteriously six months ago.

Ward 3 City Councilman Zack Reed said his staff had complaints about strange odors for more than two years, and reported them to the Health Department.

He says one was from resident Betty Hamilton who lived across the street from Sowell. She complained as far back as June, 2007 of a "foul odor" in the neighborhood, one that "smells like it is coming from a dead person."

Other residents at the Monday night vigil wondered while police did not prosecute Sowell back in December, 2008 when a bleeding woman who said Sowell tried to rape and choke her came running out of the house.

Even though the woman declined to press charges, some neighbors thought authorities should have examined Sowell's background more closely and found some reason to search his house.

Sowell served 15 years for attempted rape and was released from prison in 2005. He moved into the house on Imperial Avenue, which was owned by relatives, shortly after his release.