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Lorain man charged with murder of woman found near church after being reported missing

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LORAIN, Ohio — A Lorain man has been charged for the death of a woman who went missing last month and was later found dead outside a church a few days later.

The suspect, Robert Cruz, 54, is charged with murder, according to the Lorain Police Department.

Authorities say that Cruz was identified as the suspect for the death of 46-year-old Michelle Opaliski. She was reported missing on Jan. 18. Later that day, authorities found her pickup truck parked in the 4000 block of Shawnee Drive. Blood was found at the scene.

On Jan. 22, Opaliski’s body was found near a church in the 4300 block of Pearl Avenue.

“Michelle’s injuries, along with her location, was not consistent with a natural death,” police said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Lorain police detectives at 440-204-2105.

RELATED: Lorain police looking for missing 46-year-old woman

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