Cold Case Files: "I SURVIVED A SERIAL KILLER: The Cleveland Strangler"

Podcast: Cold Case Files (A&E / PodcastOne)
Episode Date: April 11, 2026
Host/Narrator: Marisa Pinson

Episode Overview

This episode of Cold Case Files recounts the harrowing story of Vanessa Gay, a survivor of notorious Cleveland serial killer Anthony Sowell, also known as the Cleveland Strangler. Through Vanessa's firsthand account, police interviews, and the perspective of investigators, the episode details the chilling sequence of events leading to Sowell's capture and ultimate conviction for the murders of 11 vulnerable women in Cleveland, Ohio. Themes explored include survivor resilience, systemic failures in policing, and the challenges faced by victims overlooked by society.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Setting and Context (01:07–03:13)

• Cleveland's Vulnerable Communities:
  Detective Lemmy Griffin sets the scene by describing the area of East Cleveland as low-income and heavily impacted by drug epidemics, notably crack cocaine.
  • “When the crack cocaine hit the scene, everything changed.” – Detective Lemmy Griffin (03:04)
• Sowell's Victim Profile:
  Sowell preyed on African American women struggling with addiction, often down on their luck and socially marginalized.

2. Vanessa Gay's Story—A Survivor's Account (02:26–05:17; 09:19–13:44; 20:53–25:25)

• Meeting Sowell:
  Vanessa recounts how she came to encounter Anthony Sowell—she was at a low point in life due to addiction and was lured to his home under the pretense of celebrating his birthday.
  • “He had much respect. In the streets, people were greeting him… didn’t throw red flags up.” – Vanessa Gay (03:30)
• Entrapment & Assault:
  Upon entering Sowell’s house, Vanessa describes an immediate feeling of dread, bizarre smells, and excessive locks on the doors.
  • “Opening the door and stepping in, I felt something ain’t right. You could just feel a thickness of dread in the air.” – Vanessa (05:17)
  • Sowell attacks her: “He turned around and punched me in my face... He looked me in my eyes and I never, ever, ever seen eyes like that. They were just black holes.” – Vanessa (06:20)
• Survival During Ordeal:
  Vanessa details the prolonged physical and sexual assault she endured and her desperate prayers for survival.
  • “I just kept thinking, is this how I'm going to die? But God said, you’re not going to die today. And I believed. And all the pain went away... It’s like a peace that came over my body.” – Vanessa (09:30)
• Horrific Discovery:
  Vanessa is temporarily let out to use the bathroom and glimpses a headless body wrapped in plastic.
  • “As I’m walking, I see sitting on the floor what appears to be a body with no head. She was wrapped in plastic and taped…” – Vanessa (09:50)
• Escape and Aftermath:
  Vanessa ultimately survives by complying and appealing to Sowell’s ego, and is eventually let go, though physically and emotionally devastated.
  • “I stayed arm in arm with him and we stepped right to the door. And he let me out. God fought for me.” – Vanessa (12:43)
  • No one helps her on the street, and police refuse to come to her—reflecting systemic neglect.
  • “When the police tell me I gotta come down to them and they won’t come to me, I just really lost it then. I never felt that disposable.” – Vanessa (13:20)
• Reflection on Survival:
  “When I saw his picture in the paper... the caption was, 11 women murdered. And that’s when I came to the realization that I am blessed to be alive.” – Vanessa (20:53)

3. Failures of the System (05:17–13:44)

• Police and Community Neglect:
  The episode highlights how the disappearances of women like Crystal Dozer, Deshawna Calver, and Lashonda Long raised little alarm due to their backgrounds.
  • “Being missing is not a crime. So until you have evidence that the person may have been kidnapped... there’s nothing you can do about it.” – Rick Bombick, Asst. Prosecutor (04:51)
  • “She was not given the benefit of the doubt.” – Investigator/Reporter on Vanessa’s case (13:29)

4. Investigation and Discovery (14:01–17:28)

• Break in the Case:
  survivor Latundra Billups escapes Sowell’s attack due to familiarity and goes to police, setting the investigation in motion.
  • “It was Billups that set everything in motion and righted a very wayward ship as far as justice is concerned.” – Investigator/Reporter (15:16)
• Sowell’s Criminal History:
  Recent parolee after serving 15 years for attempted rape; becomes the primary suspect.
  • “A warrant was issued... They breach the door... Behind that door are two very badly decomposed human bodies.” – Investigator/Reporter (15:41)
• Scene Description:
  The horror of the discovery:
  • “The smell was so bad, you had to dispose of the clothes... We found two more bodies... And we proceeded to dig up the yard, and we found five bodies all wrapped in plastic…” – Detective Lemmy Griffin (16:12)

5. Apprehension, Trial, and Justice (20:40–24:07)

• Sowell’s Arrest:
  Found walking in Cleveland, calmly apprehended by police after a city-wide search.
  • “It just so happened that a guy... saw Anthony Sowell... notifies officers. They pull up next to him...” – Detective Lemmy Griffin (21:39)
• Confession:
  Initially tight-lipped, Sowell eventually confesses details during questioning.
  • “And next thing you know, he’s telling us more than we ask.” – Detective Lemmy Griffin (22:37)
• Vanessa’s Courage in Court:
  Vanessa testifies, representing the voiceless victims.
  • “I had to testify. I had to. Especially knowing that he killed 11 women. I had to be a voice for the voiceless.” – Vanessa (23:01)
  • “You could probably hear a pin drop. During her testimony, she brought to the jury’s attention the amount of terror...” – Investigator/Reporter (23:35)
• Verdict:
  Sowell is convicted of 11 counts of aggravated murder and sentenced to death.
  • “God exacted justice. He let me out of there and allowed me to testify to get this man put away.” – Vanessa (24:07)
• Aftermath:
  The infamous house is torn down, offering closure to the community. Vanessa learns of Sowell’s death in prison.
  • “When I heard he died… that was the first day since this has happened that I know that he would never get out and hurt nobody again.” – Vanessa (24:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Psychological Impact:
  “Is this how I'mma die? Is this how I'mma die?” – Vanessa Gay (01:45)
• On Survival Instincts:
  “God directed me through that whole thing. I put myself in that situation. But he got me out…” – Vanessa Gay (09:45)
• On Testifying:
  “I was so fearful that I was gonna see those eyes again. And it was all bad after that.” – Vanessa Gay (23:18)
• On Finding Hope:
  “Every day is a fight, fight, fight for your life. So whatever happens, love yourself, you know? Know that you are worth it. Know that you are somebody.” – Vanessa Gay (24:25)
• On Surviving the Unthinkable:
  “I survived a serial killer, you know. How could you not come away with a grander appreciation for life?” – Vanessa Gay (25:10)

Important Timestamps

• 01:07: Start of case details and context / Introduction to Anthony Sowell
• 02:26: Vanessa Gay introduces herself as a survivor
• 03:13: Depiction of Cleveland’s crack epidemic and its impact
• 05:17: Vanessa describes the horror upon entering Sowell’s house
• 09:19: Vanessa recounts the attack, her faith, and the discovery of a body
• 13:20: Aftermath: police neglect and feelings of disposability
• 15:16: Billups’s escape and the major breakthrough in the case
• 16:12: Police describe the horrific scene and uncovering of victims
• 20:53: Vanessa’s emotional reaction upon learning the scope of the crime
• 23:01: Vanessa testifies in court
• 24:07: Sowell is sentenced; Vanessa reflects on justice and survival
• 24:25: Demolition of the house and Vanessa reacts to news of Sowell’s death

Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, Vanessa Gay’s candid, unfiltered testimony anchors the narrative, giving a voice to victims frequently silenced by stigma and systemic failures. The tone balances horror and heartbreak with hope and resilience. Investigators and prosecutors discuss the procedural aspects with sobriety, while the survivor’s statements are raw and deeply human.

Summary

This episode is a searing exploration of trauma, survival, and the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of unspeakable violence. Through Vanessa Gay’s account, listeners are confronted with the vulnerabilities exploited by Anthony Sowell and the ways in which societal and institutional failures prolonged his crimes. The story ultimately serves as a testament to survivor courage and community perseverance, urging recognition and respect for the dignity of every victim.