Anthony Sowell sentenced to death for killing 11 women
August 10th, 2011
02:56 PM ET

Anthony Sowell sentenced to death for killing 11 women

An Ohio jury recommended death Wednesday for convicted serial killer Anthony Sowell in the murders of 11 women.

Relatives of the victims gasped and hugged each other as Judge Dick Ambrose announced the first verdict for victim Tonya Carmichael. The courtroom erupted into applause after Sowell, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, left the courtroom.

The final decision rests with Ambrose, who scheduled a hearing Friday to impose the sentence.

Sowell, who frowned as the verdicts were read, was convicted in July of 11 counts of aggravated murder more than 70 other charges, including abusing corpses and kidnapping.

As part of the sentencing hearing, Sowell made a statement on Monday without being under oath or facing cross-examination from prosecutors.

Sowell was visibly agitated and occasionally tearful as he recounted claims of childhood abuse - both physical and sexual.

Sowell said his childhood "was like a war," with his mother and grandmother constantly arguing, yelling and "whopping" the children.

He did not elaborate on the crimes for which he was convicted.

"I don't know what happened, it's not typical of me," Sowell said. "I can't explain it and I know it's not a lot, but it's all I can give."

Sowell's convictions ended a saga that began in October 2009 with the discovery of the first two victims' remains inside Sowell's home. He eventually was accused of killing at least 11 women ranging in age from 25 to 52.

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Filed under: Crime • Ohio
soundoff (124 Responses)
  1. Rosebud

    Alyssa may be right, and she may not.
    Nobody at all can be sure.

    August 11, 2011 at 10:00 am | Report abuse |
  2. nazielibs

    fry that liberal nazie

    August 11, 2011 at 11:00 am | Report abuse |
  3. BEAN

    ANY ONE WHO THINKS THIS PERSON NEEDS COUNSELING, OR SHOULD BE SENT TO A PROGRAM TO HELP HIM UNDERSTAND HIS PROBLEM WHERE HE FEELS THE NEED TO TAKE ANOTHER LIFE JUST BECAUSE IT FEELS GOOD, SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO HAVE HIM COME TO THEIR HOME AND LIVE WITH THEM. MAYBE THEY CAN HELP THIS POOR LOST SOUL BE MORE LOVING. WE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT AS A CIVILIZED COUNTRY HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTECT OUR LIVES AND OUR FAMILY LIVES BY REMOVING THIS TYPE OF CANCER PERMANTELY.

    August 11, 2011 at 7:07 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Name*Bucktooth

    Get a Rope!

    August 11, 2011 at 10:15 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Adam

    @Rosebud and Alyssa: There is an afterlife. I have had my proof and I believe all proof is shown when sought after. I believe this is at least my second go at life. I don't believe in any earthly false religions as I see them as contradictory and divisive. This man will pay for what he has done and no middleman can save him from the real judge. That's what I believe. I'm fully content with my beliefs and those that try to sway them will be dealt with also.

    August 12, 2011 at 12:35 am | Report abuse |
  6. unbelievable stuff

    at least he said he was sorry, that's more than Casey Anthony ever said. They should both be on death Row but White women are rewarded for murder in this upside down world.

    August 12, 2011 at 11:23 am | Report abuse |
    • missyB

      casey anthony wasnt a serial killer. pulled the perfect murder yes but didnt kill more then 3people. so shut it up about white woman because they're plenty of white women behind bars. there was not enough proof to prove casey anthony was wrong. so please zip it up kuz race is not a issue. it's whats right and wrong and this man was obviously wrong.

      August 12, 2011 at 11:41 am | Report abuse |
  7. Carlos

    Most people would think the area was secluded but it wasn't there was constant traffic on this corner not only were the crimes unthinkable but our ablilty to turn our backs on the injustices that happen around us. We are a free society with freedom comes responsiblity to each other.

    August 12, 2011 at 12:31 pm | Report abuse |
  8. cartec

    I am glad that justice was served in this case. My frustration erupts when I think of the victims. They were people who existed belong the radar. Even their families didn't keep tabs on them. Our society is so disjointed. We don't look after each other and thus monsters like this one are allowed to operate.

    August 13, 2011 at 3:02 pm | Report abuse |
    • John Sims

      and we wonder what is wrong with the system. Sowell didn't deserve two years in jail, now how long in appeals before he is executed. Real justice would have taken his life in 2009.

      August 13, 2011 at 3:39 pm | Report abuse |
  9. John Sims

    This guy killed eleven & injured or rapped how many others but got his rights protected. There must be something wrong with a system that permits this, then allows years of appeals before Sowell will be executed. Makes me wonder why a killer gets protection but unborn babies get aborted. Something is wrong here.

    August 13, 2011 at 3:38 pm | Report abuse |
  10. John

    Wow! From all that I'd read, I thought this guy would look and sound like a delusional maniac. No-he comes across as brighter-than-average. What I pathetic attempt at an excuse: I don't know what happened. That's not "typical" of me. Kind of like a great line from a comedy. Not "typical" of me to kill ten women. Let's try it again, I'll be typical this time. Fry him, and do it soon. Forget the appeals.

    August 14, 2011 at 12:14 pm | Report abuse |
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