Anthony Sowell indicted on rape charges

CLEVELAND - The man who is suspected in a series of slayings at his east side home was indicted by a grand jury on rape and assault charges.

Anthony Sowell was indicted on one count of attempted murder, two counts of rape, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of felonious assault in connection with the Sept. 22 attack.

Prosecutors said Sowell took the 36-year-old victim back to his Imperial Avenue home, raped her and strangled her with a cord. She was later treated at a hospital for her injuries and police began investigation.

It was the investigation of this alleged attack that led police to Sowell's home and the discovery of 11 slain women.

Sowell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors also said they will present evidence in the slayings to a grand jury and will seek the death penalty.