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November 13, 2009

Search back on at Ohio House of Horrors

Posted: 05:05 PM ET

An alleged rape case led to the grisly discovery of 11 bodies at the Ohio home of convicted sex offender, Anthony Sowell, who was in court today. Sowell pleaded not guilty moments ago to charges of raping and choking a woman at his Cleveland home in September. The investigation of that alleged September attack heats up in late October when cops show up to arrest Sowell and search his hom. That’s when investigators find the bodies of several female victims.

Anthony Sowell
Anthony Sowell

Follow-up searches, including an extensive dig in the backyard, result in a total of 11 bodies recovered throughout the home. Sowell is already behind bars on $5 million bond on 5 murder charges and is now facing additional attempted murder, rape and kidnapping charges. A judge set an additional bail at $1 million in the alleged September assault. Back at Sowell’s Cleveland house of horrors, it looks like investigators think there could still be more victims. The FBI will use high-tech thermal imaging and ground-penetrating radar to search for additional victims. Investigators will also zero in on an abandoned home next to Sowell’s. Will there be even more victims?

Here are the victims identified so far:

Tonia Carmichael, 53
Nancy Cobbs, 43
Tishana Culver, 31
Crystal Dozier, 38
Telacia Fortson, 31
Amelda Hunter, 47
Leshonda Long, 25
Michelle Mason, 45
Kim Yvette Smith, 43
Janice Webb, 49

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Lauren Schultz   November 13th, 2009 9:21 pm ET

Hi Nancy, my name is Lauren from Texas. I have a 9 year old beautiful and the most sweetest personality little girl. Shes the reason I got so involved in your show. I've watch your show everynight for years now. I am sick and grossed out from what is going on in our country watching sex offenders get by with what they do and the gov. just refuses to change the laws to keep these sick people in jail. My mom is involved with Texas Equ. Search and I hate hearing about the searches the group goes on, it seems as if is always aoout a young girl. Im always checking the sex offencer list in our area and we live in the country so the list does stay low. BUT she attends school in Smithville and there are 18!!18!! VERY close to our schools! What the hell is the deal with this. I called DPS yest. and looked on line, THERE IS NO LAWS PROTECTING OUR BABIES AND CHILDREN FROM THESE PEOPLE. Did you know TEXAS has NO LAW TOWARD SEX OFFENDERS, THERE IS NO LAWS SAYING THEY CANT LIVE SO FAR FROM A SCHOOL.

Lauren Schultz   November 13th, 2009 9:31 pm ET

Hi Nancy, I'm from centrel TEXAS. You should come visit I would take your presious family and you in with out a thought.
I recently posted to the blog and was also wanting to know what I can do or start to get laws pasted for a petalfile to live a certian dis. from child play or school areas. Im will to lead a pack of mothers through the gov. to protect my child and others. Please help! I stay sick to my stomach knowing I got to leave my little girl there and she is not protected. These are students dads!!!! They are picking up there kids and why do some still have custody of them.. This is crazy!!!
512-629-7860
Thanks Desprite 32 year old Texas girl. Come Visit if you dare.
Lauren Schultz
If it makes you feel better my daughter was in a movie filmed by Terrence Malick starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, I guess we cant be to bad,haha. Come visit and bring your babies to see the pet deer, mini ponies and check out the laws! I will blog you another great story about our school system here, its amazing whos taking care of your child all day.

Jackie   November 13th, 2009 10:20 pm ET

He's one sick person. He's got the devil inside they should do to him what he did to those people.

Rosita Jackson   November 16th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

He is one sick man! I have been following this case along with many others on Nancy Grace. The thought of living next to a serial rapist/killer is so scary. This just reminds me that you never know who your neighbors are or what's going on in their home! Jeffery Dahmer proved that here in Wisconsin! Keep up the good work Nancy, I love your show!

Ro

nicole s   November 16th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

were his victims picked randomly or was there a pattern or planning behind each one?

eve   November 16th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

Violence against women and children is on the rise. We need to do more to protect ourselves because the world is not and will never be a safe place for us. I hope he gets the death penalty by chair. I don't think he should die by lethal injection.

Shauna Barstow   November 16th, 2009 8:29 pm ET

Hello Nancy, I watch your show all the time. My Cousin Gloria Walker is one of the women that was thought to be one of Mr. Sowells victims although it was reported on the news and then retracted later that day I just want to thank you for reporting these types of crimes. It is really sad what the world has come to now a days. We had looked for my cousin in alot of places. Placesthat I hope my children never have to see all coming up as dead ends. When this new report broke it brough my family so much pain again. I just want people to be careful you never know who your neighbors are. Thanks for all you do Nancy

MZ.TOYA88   November 16th, 2009 9:26 pm ET

HI, NANCY IF THERE WAS A PLACE On EARTH WHERE WE CAN GO AND OPEN HELL...HE SHOULD BE THE FIRST PERSON 2 GO!! I DNT USUAL THINK PEOPLE SHOULD BE PUT TO DEATH BECAUSE OF A CRIME ANYBODY CAN CHANGE BUT THIS SICK SORRY HORRIBLE EXCUSE OF MAN SHOULD BE SENT RIGHT 2 HELL!!!

Tiffany Ann   November 16th, 2009 9:29 pm ET

Distcusted by this man completely, he more than makes my stomach turn. First and formost he took 11 womens lives he has hurt more people than we even know. second after killing these women he kept their bodies in his home!! How could he sleep at night with the smell of decomposition? Could you imagine? This man is more than sick he is another monster.

deborah k harndon   November 16th, 2009 11:36 pm ET

ANOTHER JERK THAAT NEEDS TO BE SHOT

Marsha   November 17th, 2009 12:18 am ET

Hi Nancy;
Not only does this sick piece of trash make me livid but so does the Injustice and incompetency of the "justice" system. Why this pervert was every released after they knew that he was not and could never be "cured" is beyond comprehension! Where does the parole board get the idea that incarceration changes people for the better?? Somebody please explain to me why they (the system) never learn from their mistakes! Since when have we been able to change a persons sexual orentation??? This piece of crap is a violent sexual pervert who gets off by harming women!! Since when have we ever cured a serial rapist/killer?...NEVER!!! Even Ted Bundy himself said that he would kill again if released! PLEASE, PLEASE wake up and don't let these deadly poisonous pieces of trash back into our neighbourhoods.

Karen Castellano   November 17th, 2009 7:33 am ET

Nancy, I want to thank you for being a voice for these missing, deceased, or badly abbused children. We need to let your voice as well as other's be heard. I don't think the people who can change the laws are listening or paying attention to the statistics and facts. Our poor children don't stand a chance.. This is AMERICA !!! We have rights, our children have rights....these predetors should all be locked up in the middle of no where with each other. I would love nothing more than to be involved with some sort of movement to get rid of these animals....actually...the term animals doesn't even come close to what these people are. These offenders tell judges as well as others that they will re-offend! What the heck is wrong with people? Maybe we should start locking up the judges who let these monsters out! If a person is standing infront of you... telling you he or she will re-offend, why in God's name would you let them out, where another child will be violated, beatin and dicarded? Shame on the justice system and shame on devils who hurt our babies. What is happening here? When will it end and most of all, when will kmy children be safe? Help us Nancy.. Help us form an alliance to protect our children and have these monsters locked up for good, or just uthenize them.

Mandie   November 17th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

I have been watching this story! this is crazy. How does he kill and hide that many bodies and the house look like it might be 5 feet from another house! And on top of that the mayor niece there with him! but she didnt know what was going on. i dont believe that! I think there is alot more to it! and i think there is a female involved

tesa   November 17th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

I lived in the area he was residing and i am sick to my stomach that ppl like that can walk around and not be ashamed to be seen. Just to think he has be to stores and around the neighborhood. No soul that man has no soul. BUT WE ARE TOLD TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO WRONGE US BEFORE WE PRAY FOR OURSELVES. Maby he should share a cell with "anthony". They both are sick monsters. Thankyou Nancy for asking all the hard questions and never settling for less than respect for all victoms every where. I love you and god bless you and yours.

Zachary Hardy   November 17th, 2009 2:18 pm ET

I have been looking at this story with a scientific eye. Are you aware of the "Scale of Evil"? It decodes a killers method, madness and state of mind. In other words, the more hideous the crime and the saner the individual, the higher they are placed on the list. The highest level is level 22, reserved for psycopathic torture-murders.

I would guess that Mr. Sowell belongs on level 17-sexually perverse psycopaths who commit multiple, viscious acts.

billy   November 17th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

what is wrong in our country we look the other way when the smell of death is hanging around a sex offender? instead we look for peddy crimes to clogg up the system. this poor excuse of a man need a 1 week trial and one day sentencing and 150 years to sit and watch the wall of his cell with every picture of every woman he has killed 24 hours a day it more then he gave these poor woman

Lila Armstrong   November 17th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

Hi Nancy! I wanted start out by asking that this email not be publicized for my sake. I grew up in a small town in Ohio during the 70's and 80's. Back then people didn't talk about the sort of stuff you bring up on your show. I know because I was one of them that had to suffer in silence as a kid and now deal with all the daily innocent questions millions of people ask others: who are your parents, when did you see them last, where do they live now, do you talk to your brother and sister, why not, are you going to spend the holidays with your family, and the list goes on and on. it's amazing that I could be like those little girls-dead. But for some reason not. Childhood can be awfully cruel! Children used and abused for who they are-Innocent. In jesus day I guess people that did those kind of things would be stoned to death or have their heads cut off. But it doesn't make their life any better. Thanks for the coverage and possibly saving other lives in the process! I didn't use to like you because I didn't know you were a victim of crime too-that made all the difference in how I view you. You're not just another person trying to make money off these victims, or get noticed for something that never happened to you. YOU CARE! YOU HAD IT HAPPEN TO YOU, and that's WHAT IT TAKES!!! I can't talk on behalf of all victims but on behalf of this one a big thankyou. Now if we could figure out how to protect these kids, foster care doesn't work. That's a sad fact government hasn't touched yet. What a mess! lol! I can talk first hand about that too, most people who comment can't. It sounds like you have done a great job overcoming your "victim" obstacles. I was trying just to keep my head above water in the past, but now Jesus is showing me how to walk on it! Got saved @ 6 years ago. I'm 40 now. never had a drug problem or alcohol problem and I never been arrested or had a ticket! I look back and can't believe I made it ,WOW! But I was making other bad decisions because of the foundation laid down in my childhood. I allowed Jesus to come into my life and He just tore that old foundation all to pieces. No more anger and hatred here toward my perps. I wish I would have gotten saved sooner. (I'd like to be a minister some day.Is Jesus your Lord and Savior Nancy? God bless you and your family! We might see our perps in Heaven if they've repented and received Jesus- Are our hearts really ready for that?! ) God is no respector of persons, what He does for one person He'll do for another. God hates sin NOT people. He loves us and he wants us to cast our burdens on Him to deal with. I am a fan of yours and I will keep you in my prayers Nancy. It's hard to believe God loves those people! How amazing! Impossible in our human minds to fathom the goodness of God. Yes these perps belong in prison, even executed. But I shy away and let God decide whether they're going to hell or not. Some people's grief comes out in anger too often. Some people who are angry have never even been a victim of terror and helplessness combined. They would never want to try some of that for breakfast with their wheaties. These perps prove by the anger in their hearts and minds they can't think clearly. Anyway I do like to keep up to date sometimes with the news. Gives me an idea on your page about the victims who need prayer for themselves (if they're still alive) and their families. I hope you have a very happy and safe holiday season Nancy . Live well, love much, laugh often! Lila . The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Sharon Zigler   November 17th, 2009 11:16 pm ET

I reall;y am trying to understand how the neighbors could allow the odor to pollute the neighborhood for so long without saying a word. We have to get back to knowing who our neighbors are.

Becky Potter   November 17th, 2009 11:39 pm ET

I'm sorry for this precious child's murder .

MY DAUGHTER MONICA SUE WILLIAMS WAS 9 MO. 2 WKS. OLD WHEN SHE WAS RAPED, BEAT & MURDERED BY CHRISTOPHER COOPER # A158707. HE GOES BEFORE THE PAROLE BOARD FOR POSSIBLE RELEASE ON DECEMBER 4, 2009!! COOPER IS A SEXUAL PREDATOR & HE MAY BE RELEASED. HE WAS SENTENCED 15 YRS. TO LIFE IN PRISON.
THIS MUST NOT HAPPEN!!!!

Becky Potter   November 17th, 2009 11:55 pm ET

NANCY, PLEASE HELP US ! THESE SEXUAL PREDATORS MUST REMAIN IN PRISON.

E-mail Your Letters Before Thanksgiving:

drc.publicinfo@odrc.state.oh.us

(Request the OH Parole Board Deny Parole For Christopher Cooper # A158707)

Please keep this in your prayers too.

Thank you,

Becky Potter

Lucky22anme   November 18th, 2009 1:04 am ET

My heart goes out for all the women who were victimized by this poor excuse of a human. May he rot in hell for all of eternity.

Jennifer McLain   November 18th, 2009 9:33 am ET

Becky I don't know u & u don't know me but I just sent a letter to the parole board begging for the denial of parole of the animal that hurt your precious baby!! I sent the link to all my friends & family and they are doing the same! I wish you peace and may God watch over you and your family!! Your sister in Christ Jennifer McLain

Lissett Vitale   November 18th, 2009 1:04 pm ET

Dear Becky Potter,
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family for the terrible loss of your baby.
It is deaths like hers and Shaniya's that make us as parents think, can we rely on the court system to provide justice? Should we take justice upon ourselves? I just wanted to let you know that Monica is also in my prayers and that I have sent my Request to the OH Parole Board to deny Parole this this monster.
No child should go through what your baby and Shaniya as well as all the other many children go through on a daily basis.
Parents need to get united and bring death penalty back for monsters like Christopher Cooper.

Lissett Vitale   November 18th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

Nancy, I love your show and my husband and I watch it religiously every night!

Shirley Murphy   November 18th, 2009 6:33 pm ET

Anyone kills a child should get automatic death for any reason. If you don't want a puppy you should fine a home for it, same as for a child.
We should have that law in the USA!
Something else to consider, implant all babies with a tracking device so they can be found no matter what their age down the road.
Forget civil rights, let find our folks that have been murdered...

loretta johnson   November 18th, 2009 10:08 pm ET

i feel so sorry for shaiyna because she did not deserve to die. WHAT I THINK IS DISGUSTING IS HER FATHER ON NATIONAL TELEVISION WITH HIS LOVER.HE LOOKS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT HIS LOVER HUGGING ALL OVER HIM THEN HE CARED ABOUT HIS LITTLE GIRL.SHE DIDNT NEED TO BE WITH HIM EITHER ESPECIALLY IN THAT SITUATION SHE DID NOT NEED TO SEE THAT AT ALL. I DID FEEL SORRY FOR HIM UNTIL I SAW THAT.I'M SICK OF ALL OF THESE GAYS TRYING TO RAISE CHILDREN!!! MAY SHAIYNA REST IN PEASE BECAUSE GOD IS GONNA DEAL WITH HER FATHER AND MOTHER.

Ivette Oliveras   November 19th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

My heart goes out to the Davis family and my prayers. I cry everyday for Shaniya. We as a people need to come together and fight for our children's safety. More needs to be done to protect children, not enough is being done, it always seems to be to late. I know there are those that can do more, that have more access to more resources to help these angels. I want to do more as many other caring people do. To those that have the ideas and the resources, help us to help the children be protected from abusive parents and sex offenders. The schools need to more involved, neighborhood watches should be created and more involved and especially DCF, who has more hands on these cases, pray to be sensitized to these childrens needs. Please, help our kids, they need someone to speak for them because they cant defend themselves.

Jae Woods   November 22nd, 2009 11:46 am ET

All the laws in the world will not stop these people. They are commiting crimes that hurt others and they are walking out of prison before a person that commits a non-violent crime. Neighbors need to report strange behaviors and smells and band together when nobody will listen. Why are we allowing people to live in our neighborhoods and not notice they are commiting kidnappings and murder? You would report a drug dealer in a heart beat, but turn your head to a man abusing a woman or child. People don't want to get involved when it matters like why someone would pitch tents in their back yard and keep a "family" for 18 years and not one neighbor wondered what the hell? (unrelated story) Not normal, yet not reported and that goes for all the law enforcement that felt they did not have a right to go inside these peoples houese. The smell should have been probable cause!

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