Tragedies Mar Westlake, Bay Village Christmas Week

Tragedies marred Christmas week in Westlake and Bay Village as two horrifying incidents claimed the lives of three individuals.

In Westlake, at 3:06 a.m. an automobile crash into a utility pole at Detroit and Columbia took the life of 32-year old Crystal Cieza, who was in the driver’s seat. The passenger, a 30-year old male from Westlake, was taken to UH St. John Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Detroit Road was closed for more than 3 hours. Alcohol is believed to be a factor, say police. Police and the Cuyahoga County Coroner are reviewing the circumstances.

In Bay Village, a suspected murder-suicide claimed the lives of two on Dec. 15. Police release: 

‘On December 28, 2019 at approximately 12:23 pm, a Wolf Road resident reporting hearing popping noises and smoke coming from a home across the street. Bay Village Police officers and Bay Village Fire responded to the Wolf Road home. No fire observed and normal heat exhaust was observed from the chimney. However, while checking the home two individuals were found deceased inside with apparent gunshot wounds. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was contacted to assist. While the investigation is in its early stages, investigators are looking at the deaths as a possible murder/suicide. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no present danger to the community.’

The 66-year old male resident and 65-year old female resident of the house have been reported to be the victims.