Judge axes parole option for Ohio serial killer

CLEVELAND – A judge has ruled that an Ohio jury will consider either life in prison without parole or the death penalty when sentencing a convicted serial killer.

Parole will not be a possibility for 51-year-old Anthony Sowell (SOH'-wehl). He was convicted Friday of aggravated murder and other charges in the deaths of 11 women whose remains were found at his Cleveland home.

Judge Dick Ambrose ruled Wednesday that Sowell was a repeat violent offender and sexual violent predator — specifications in the indictment that Sowell had waived his right for a jury to consider. The specifications eliminate the chance for parole.

The judge also granted a defense motion to lead Sowell through an unsworn question-and-answer statement during the sentencing phase, which begins Aug. 1.