Amelda Hunter, 47, was one of 11 African American women whose remains were recovered from a Cleveland home in late October 2009. Known as Amy to friends and family, she grew up in Chicago and moved to Cleveland in 1978 as one of eight children. Described as exceptionally intelligent and fond of literature, she worked at times as a hairstylist, a home health aide, and for the elections board, but struggled with addiction and mental health issues; she was last seen in April 2009 and her family reported her missing on November 3, 2009.

Her remains were found at the Imperial Avenue residence of registered sex offender Anthony Sowell during an investigation that began after a reported rape. Authorities uncovered bodies in the house and yard, and one skull was found in a basement bucket. Sowell was arrested in late October 2009 and later charged with multiple counts including aggravated murder, rape, and kidnapping; he was convicted in 2011. In 2018 the city of Cleveland agreed to a $1 million settlement with families of six victims, including Hunter’s family, in a lawsuit alleging police negligence.

Did anyone who knew Amelda or saw her in spring 2009 notice anything that could help explain what happened in those months?