Imperial murders: Suspected serial killer Sowell arraigned

CLEVELAND --- Anthony Sowell, 50, of Cleveland, was arraigned Thursday morning on attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, and kidnapping charges. Sowell did not appear but attorney Brian R. McGraw, who was assigned to defend him, appeared on his behalf. His case will be heard by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John Sutula.

Bond was set at $1 million.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's office said the indictment was for his actions against a 36-year-old Cleveland woman.

Prosecutors allege that, on Sept. 22, the victim saw Sowell walking near East 116th Street in Cleveland. Sowell then took her back to his home on Imperial Avenue in Cleveland.

Sowell allegedly became violent and raped the victim.

On Nov. 9, Sowell was indicted on one count of attempted murder, a felony; two counts of rape, both felonies; two counts of kidnapping, both felonies; and two counts of felonious assault, both felonies.

Sowell's charges carry specifications that include: repeat violent offender, sexual motivation specification, and sexually violent predator specification.

Prosecutors said the indictment also provides a notice of prior conviction, which triggers a mandatory prison term for Sowell if he is found guilty of any charge containing the notice.

Sowell was already being held on a $5 million bond which was previously set for aggravated murder charges filed by the City of Cleveland.

Sowell's next pre-trial is scheduled for Dec. 2.