Sowell Investigation Continues, Expands

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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The FBI has joined the investigation of the decayed remains found at the home of suspected serial killer Anthony Sowell. Wednesday the work expanded to an adjoining property. Ideastream’s Bill Rice reports.

Crews cleared debris from the yard next door to Anthony Sowell’s residence on Imperial Avenue Wednesday, in preparation for an FBI search using thermal imaging equipment. 

The specialized equipment detects heat generated when organic matter decomposes.  Ed Fitzgerald, mayor of the west side suburb of Lakewood and a former FBI agent, says that enables a more thorough search. 

Fitzgerald:  “It’s a lot more scientific than the old method which was basically to try to do kind of a random sample and try to then use cadaver dogs where possible, but that is hit and miss and depends a lot on how the body was disposed of. “

The FBI has some of the best forensic expertise and equipment anywhere, Fitzgerald says, and typically makes it available to local police departments for difficult investigations.

The bureau also helps coordinate and conduct, using an extensive national database, investigations involving multiple jurisdictions - in this case North carolina, California and other places Sowell may have lived.  Scott Wilson is a special agent with the Cleveland office. 

Wilson:  “We are going to take a look at Anthony Sowell and put a timeline together of where he’s lived throughout his life and then follow up with any law enforcement agencies outside the Cleveland area that have unsolved violent crimes and see if Mr. Sowell maybe has done something else somewhere e else.”

With the renewed activity around Sowell’s Cleveland home, the stench that has permeated the neighborhood frequently over the last few years has returned.  Neighbor Terrance Johnson says it’s the worst he has smelled. 

Bill Rice, 90.3.