CLEVELAND -- A social worker appealing to save the life of an Ohio man who killed 11 women says he grew up in a "horrible" home and has a family history that includes drug abuse, mental illness, epilepsy and sexual abuse.
Lori James-Townes testified Monday in Cleveland at the sentencing phase of the trial of 51-year-old Anthony Sowell. The jury must decide whether to recommend the death penalty or life in prison without possibility of parole.
James-Townes testified for more than three hours about her interview with Sowell and her review of thousands of family records.
Under cross-examination, she said there was no documented evidence that Sowell was abused, sexually or otherwise, as a youngster.
Police have said Sowell lured victims to his home with the promise of alcohol or drugs.
By THOMAS J. SHEERAN Associated Press
The Associated Press