Anthony Sowell case: Mayor’s niece lived with suspected Cleveland serial killer

November 8, 7:51 PMCrime ExaminerCindy Adams

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Nancy Johnson, right, hugs a woman next to a small memorial across the street from he home of Anthony Sowell on the east side of Cleveland Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. The remains of 11 women were discovered in the house. (AP Photo)

The niece of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, says she lived with Anthony Sowell, in the house where the decaying bodies of several women were found last week.

Lori Frazier calls herself Sowell’s girlfriend and told Action 19 News “He came out from the penitentiary June 23. Me and him hooked up July 7 and I have been with him ever since.” Sowell had served 15 years in prison for a prior rape conviction.

The mayor’s niece is an admitted drug user and said she and Sowell did drugs together until she moved out of his home last year to attempt to end her addiction.

Anthony Sowell (AP Photo)

Frazier claimed the terrible smell—that turned out to be decomposing bodies—was explained away by Sowell as emanating from his stepmother, who lived on the bottom floor of the house. In addition, a sausage factory stands next door that also produced pungent smells.

Frazier said she is perplexed as to Sowell’s alleged actions against women. “I want to know why, why would he do this. He took care of me. Good care of me,” she said.

To see photos related to the case, click here.

Last week, Jackson was elected to a second term as Cleveland’s mayor and has vowed to look into why police did not investigate Sowell, a convicted sex offender, sooner. Officers had responded to calls regarding Sowell and his residence, however, they claimed they had no right to enter his home—despite the terrible smell coming from his house.

Tonia Carmichael, 52, was the first victim identified of the 11 bodies found at the home of suspected serial killer, Anthony Sowell. To read more about Tonia, click here. (National Center for Missing Adults Photo)

Sowell was finally arrested on Oct. 31 after a woman accused him of rape. The bodies were initially discovered after authorities when to his home to facilitate the arrest. Two corpses were found on the third floor, one body in the basement, two in a crawlspace, and one body buried in the backyard.

To date, police have found 11 bodies and seven have been identified as Tonia Carmichael, 52; Telacia Fortson, 31; Tishana Culver, 31; Nancy Cobbs, 43; Amelda Hunter, 47; Crystal Dozier, 38; and Michelle Mason, 45.

So far, Sowell has been charged with five counts of aggravated murder.

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