CLEVELAND — The death of serial killer Anthony Sowell and renewed interest in his crimes can be jarring for those familiar with the case, said Sondra Miller, president and CEO of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.  

“Especially for survivors of sexual assault and especially for those directly impacted by Mr. Sowell’s crimes,” said Miller.

What You Need To Know

  • Sowell was arrested in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Cleveland in October 2009 and convicted in 2011

  • The bodies of 11 women were discovered by police on Sowell's property

  • Families of the victims believed law enforcement largely ignored their concerns about the disappearances because the missing women were Black and had troubled backgrounds

  • News of his passing may still be traumatic to many people in the community
  • Sowell had a terminal illness and died at age 61

Back in 2009, when Sowell was arrested, many people leaned on the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center for healing.

“Not only to report instances of sexual abuse that had been perpetrated by Mr. Sowell, but also just looking for information and resources and support and looking for ways that they could recover, heal and thrive. We know that healing from sexual assault is a lifelong journey, and we know that for survivors, there are many, many ups and downs on that journey, and we want the community to know that just like we were a healing partner in 2009 (and) we're still here today with the same resources,” said Miller.

Miller said survivors may have a wide array of feelings, all of which are normal, Miller said.

“Survivors may experience flashbacks. They may experience nightmares. Maybe anxiety. That's all very normal and very real. And what survivors share with us is that even though the trauma happens years or decades ago, there are times when you're triggered, and it feels like it's happening right now. And that, you know the reminder to survivors to take care of yourselves, that those feelings are normal. We validate those feelings, and our hotline is a good resource if you need someone to talk to in that moment,” said Miller.

Sowell’s case highlighted deep deficiencies within the Cleveland-area criminal justice system. Many of the women Sowell lured to his home who were Black and struggled with substance abuse. Relatives of the victims said police ignored the disappearances because of the race and troubled backgrounds of the women who were reported missing.

“We still have a criminal justice system that makes it very difficult for Black or brown or survivors who are experiencing mental illness or substance abuse to report violence that has happened to them and feel like, and for survivors to feel like they've been believed and that they're supported, and that their report has an opportunity to move forward through the criminal justice process,” said Miller.

The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center's hotline is available 24/7. To reach the crisis and support hotline, call or text (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020.