Lorain, Ohio- On Monday, January 18, 2021, the Lorain Police Patrol Division took a missing report for Michelle Opaliski. Due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding Michelle’s disappearance, she was posted on The Lorain County CSI page as a Missing Adult with a description of her vehicle.
An initial investigation began with a tip from the public January 18, 2021 to which Michelle’s vehicle was parked on Shawnee Dr. in Lorain. The vehicle was then observed by Lorain Police Detectives who noticed what appeared to be a large amount of blood. A person of interest was established at this point.
On January 22, 2021, Detectives located Michelle’s deceased body. At approximately 14:50hrs. Michelle’s body was located near an access gate for Sacred Heart Chapel at 4301 Pearl Ave. Michelle’s injuries along with her location was not consistent with a natural death.
Further investigation, revealed Robert Cruz, 54 of Lorain as a suspect in Michelle Opaliski’s death. Robert Cruz is in custody at this time and charged with murder. Lorain Police Department would like to thank the United States Marshal Service for their assistance taking Mr. Cruz in custody.
The investigation remains under investigation by the Lorain Police Detective Bureau. Anyone who may have additional information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Angello at 440-204-2105.
This is the City of Lorain’s first homicide this year.
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Photo of Michelle Opaliski courtesy of the Lorain Police Missing Persons page.