CLEVELAND — Friday marks one year since a 58-year-old woman walking her dog in McGowan Park, on Cleveland’s West Side, was killed.
It was 7 o’clock in the evening and police believe Sheila Wallace was a victim of random, violent crime.
“She felt safe there,” said her daughter Katie Wallace. After all, Sheila grew up in the neighborhood and loved the community. She died just steps from her home.
Sheila was found shot in the park, with her little black and white dog curled up next to her.
“This year has been really, really bad,” said Katie.
Sheila, an administrative assistant at the Cleveland Clinic, is described as being funny, caring and loving.
“I don’t wish this on my worst enemy. It’s a nightmare. It’s truly a nightmare,” added Katie.
Katie and her mother were extremely close. Now, she is on a mission to help find her mother’s killers.
“All I want is to know who did this, so we can put it behind us," said Katie through her tears.
Cuyahoga County CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her killers.
“It’s a very violent crime that police are working very hard at solving,” said Captain Richard McIntosh with Cuyahoga County CrimeStoppers.
Police know two people are involved in the murder because there are surveillance cameras in the park. “There is some video and CrimeStoppers has received some valuable tips,” said McIntosh.
But so far, the tips have not lead police to the killers. Now, McIntosh is sending a message to those who have given police tips in this case.
“We have information that may lead to suspects. That’s why we want the person providing the information to get back to us again with more information,” he said.
CrimeStoppers is anonymous.
“For 27 years, not one person who has provided us information has ever been identified and going forward will not be identified,” said McIntosh.
A plea from Katie to anyone who knows who killed her mother: "I know they are probably afraid to talk, they’re afraid for their life, their loved ones lives. But they can protect you, they being law enforcement, can protect you,” begged Katie.
McIntosh believes it’s just a matter of time before the killers are caught.
Friday evening, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., there will be a vigil held at McGowan Park. If you plan to attend, please bring a candle.
If you have a tip, call 216-252-7463, email crimestoppers@cuyahogacounty.us or visit the website.
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