Case Files: Police release new information in unsolved murder of Mary Cervantes

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - More than two years ago a woman was found murdered in a Toledo alley. Today police are still looking for leads in the homicide.

Now, investigators are releasing new details about the moments Mary Cervantes was last seen alive. On October 29 around 8:30pm, teenagers walking in an alley near Lagrange and Hausman found 37-year-old Mary Cervantes dead. Investigators say she was shot once in the head.

More than two years after the crime, the leads are running out.

“I know there’s more people out there that knew Mary and that knew the people she associated with that I haven’t spoken to that I’m looking to speak to,” says Detective Jeff Sharp.

Sharp says Cervantes was a familiar face in the North Toledo neighborhood and is hoping new details about the hours before she was killed will lead them to a possible suspect.

“Multiple people told us they had seen Mary with an unidentified black male. One witness said they were arguing. I’m sure there’s people out there who knew who she was with that day” says Detective Sharp.

Family members say Cervantes was involved in prostitution and struggling with drug addiction. Her cousin, Angie Martinez, tells 13abc she talked with Mary daily, offering help but before her death, she lost touch.

“We chatted everyday and it bothered me that I couldn’t do more and be there physically for her. I wanted to help her and I felt like if there was another time, I’ve could’ve done it but it was too late,” says Martinez.

With a killer walking the streets, her family is simply looking for closure for a life lost too soon.

“She may have done prostitution, she may have done drugs but she didn’t deserve to be murdered or not have this crime solved,” says Martinez.

If you have any information about the homicide of Mary Cervantes you can call or text Crimestopper 419-255-1111. You could be eligible for a cash reward.

If you have a case that needs to be solved, contact casefiles@13abc.com

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