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Jennifer Sherman, center, announces that the reward for information leading to the arrest of her mother's murderer has been raised to $50,000. Aliza Sherman's friends and family raised an additional $25,000, doubling the reward for information on the Cleveland Clinic nurse's murder outside her lawyer's office at Erieview Plaza. Aliza Sherman's best friend, Jan Lash, is at left. The "Justice for Aliza" group is hoping that the bigger reward will encourage someone to come forward with information.
(Lynn Ischay, The Plain Dealer)
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Saying her mother deserves justice, the daughter of stabbing victim Aliza Sherman announced today an increase in a reward to $50,000, hoping it might help lead to a break in the case.
Jennifer Sherman held a news conference at the Erieview building in downtown Cleveland, just steps away from where her mother was found stabbed and bleeding on March 24. Aliza Sherman was taken to MetroHealth Hospital but died from her wounds.
Police released a video in April showing a "person of interest" in the attack. Tomba said today investigators had the video enhanced but still could not make an identity, and can't even tell the race or gender of the person in the video.
Jennifer Sherman held the news conference as a light rain fell, surrounded by a small group of friends.
Nicole Angel, 23, of Beachwood, said she and others have been inspired by Sherman's efforts.
"She's so strong," Angel said. "We all look up to her."
But the past five months have been difficult, Sherman said. She said her two younger brothers, Jason, 23, and Jeremy, 18, have been living with her in Solon. Both just left to attend school at Ohio University in Athens.
Leaving for college without his mother to help him prepare was scary for Jeremy, Sherman said.
She also misses her close relationship with her mother, whom she called her best friend.
Aliza Sherman
"She was such an amazing person, was so giving to so many people," Sherman said. "Now it's our turn to give back to her and to stand here today and be her voice, and to fight for her until she gets the justice she deserves."
Aliza Sherman had been a stay-at-home mom for many years before returning to work, first part time and then full time, according to a divorce-case file in Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court.
Her death left her Beachwood neighborhood stunned. Neighbors said Sherman, the mother of three sons and a daughter, was an animal lover with a big heart.
The $50,000 reward is being offered through Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers. Anonymous information can be given to Crime Stoppers by calling 216-252-7463 or via text message: text TIP657 plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Anyone with information connected to the attack also can contact the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464.