Weeks of terror: Ohio man killed a 94-year-old, raped a mentally disabled teen in crime spree

After three weeks of terrorizing a Cleveland neighborhood, including the rape of a mentally disabled teen and the killing of a 94-year-old woman, the suspect will now spend decades in prison.

Cornelis Pames, 27, was sentenced to 40 years behind bars for his crime spree, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office, which announced the sentence on June 17. Pames previously pleaded guilty to various charges, including involuntary manslaughter, two counts of rape and one count of attempted murder.

The crimes happened in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, between August and October 2018, according to prosecutors.

On Aug. 17, 2018, Pames did not report to his parole officer. He had several previous convictions, including a 2014 assault and a 2013 burglary. In 2008, he was convicted as a juvenile for rape and robbery.

On Sept. 14, Pames and a 14-year-old were at home when Pames pushed the teen on a bed, grabbed her shirt and tried to kiss her, according to prosecutors. She pushed him away before he furthered the assault.

Then, on Sept. 17, a 94-year-old woman and her 74-year-old daughter were visiting from Honduras and staying at a neighborhood home. Pames broke in during the middle of the night by pushing in a window air condition unit.

Once inside, Pames beat up the two women as they slept and stole items, such as an iPad and jewelry, according to prosecutors. He then fled the scene. Police responded and took both victims to the hospital. The 94-year-old was pronounced dead.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the victim died from blunt-force trauma to the head and neck.

Police connected Pames to the crime because of DNA he left at the scene.

On Oct. 1, a mentally disabled 16-year-old was finishing her schoolwork at her apartment when Pames broke into the home in the middle of the day by using a crowbar. He then raped the victim several times and threatened to kill her and her mother if she told anyone.

Pames then duct-taped the victim to a chair and stole several items before leaving the apartment.

Police arrested Pames on Oct. 15, 2018.