Report by Dick Berry - email
Posted by Nick Dutton - email
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Toledo police have positively identified the body found inside a north Toledo warehouse as Cindy Sumner. She's a developmentally disabled woman who was reported missing Aug. 6.
The Lucas County Coroner's office used dental records to make the ID, but did not issue a cause of death. However, they did rule out stabbing, shooting and strangulation.
Cindy Sumner's family had prepared for the worst. They were still stunned when they received word from police the 21-year-old woman was a homicide victim.
Mary Sumner, Cindy's mother, says she was heartbroken. When she found out it was her daughter's body she says she fell to the floor, dropped the phone and started crying.
"It's a relief that we know where she is. It's a relief to have something definite," said Sumner's Grandmother Rosemary Schumacher.
On the same night Cindy's body was identified, neighbors gathered at Salem Church to pray and ask for healing during a time of despair.
"We ask that you continue to surround her with love, surround her family with love and surround us with love," said Rev. Mary Lou Baumgartner.
One person at the vigil remembered Cindy as having the innocence of a child. "She's in heaven with Jesus. She's not suffering, not being harmed anymore."
Cindy was remembered as a free-spirit with an uplifting personality. But there was also anger directed at her killer.
"She's in a better place than we are. And for somebody to do her like this, they're going to pay for it. He's going to see they pay for it," said a person at the church.
Schumacher wonders what difference finding the killer would make. "It isn't going to bring Cindy back."
Cindy's mother plans to move on with her life one day at a time. "Try to get some sleep, get some support from family and friends."
Funeral arrangements are pending. The family says a fund will be set up Monday at a bank where donations can be made to pay for funeral and burial expenses.
Toledo police continue to investigate Sumner's death.
Call CrimeStopper at 419-255-111 with any information that could help police.
