UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio — Authorities have increased the reward for information that leads to the arrest of a woman suspected of torturing a 23-year-old woman inside an apartment in University Heights on Dec. 20.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal is offering a reward of up to $5,000, in addition to the $2,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County, for information that leads to the arrest of Elvia Ibanez.
Ibanez, 37, is suspected of assaulting a 23-year-old woman first responders found with cuts and stab wounds inside an apartment in the 2100 block of Kerwin Road in University Heights.
When crews went into the apartment they found an unresponsive 23-year-old woman with wounds all over her body. Police said that their investigation indicates the woman had been tortured for "an extended period throughout the day."
Police believe Ibanez attempted to set fire to the apartment, setting off an alarm and causing her to flee. The alarms alerted fire crews who, once on scene, found the 23-year-old woman.
The woman was transported to a nearby hospital. Police said that she is in stable condition.
Ibanez is wanted for attempted aggravated murder, aggravated arson, aggravated burglary and kidnapping, according to police.
Anyone with information regarding Ibanez’s whereabouts should call police immediately at 216-932-1800, Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463, or the Fire Marshal's tip line at 1-800-589-2728.
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