What happened to the vibrant young woman who vanished into the shadows of New York City in 2017? Corinna Slusser's story is a chilling descent into the underbelly of sex trafficking, a narrative of lost potential and the enduring pain of a family left searching for answers.
Born on October 6, 1998, Corinna Slusser spent her formative years in the small town of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. She grew up with her mother, Sabina Tuorto, and her brother, Justin, experiencing the typical joys and challenges of a small-town childhood. She was a cheerleader, a track runner, and an aspiring makeup artist a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, with dreams and ambitions that seemed within reach. Bloomsburg, with a population of just under 14,000 in 2018, offered a close-knit community, a stark contrast to the vast and unforgiving landscape she would eventually encounter.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Corinna Paige Slusser |
| Date of Birth | October 6, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania |
| Known For | Missing Person Case; Potential Sex Trafficking Victim |
| Last Seen | September 20, 2017, Haven Motel, Queens, New York |
| Education | Bloomsburg High School (Cheerleader, Track Runner) |
| Residence (Prior to Disappearance) | Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania; later New York City |
| Associated Individuals | Ishi Woney (Convicted Sex Trafficker), Sabina Tuorto (Mother), Justin (Brother), Peguero (Alleged Pimp) |
| Allegations/Context | Victim of potential sex trafficking; Advertised online for prostitution; History of depression |
| Discovery of Remains | March 21, 2021, in a wooded area in the Bronx, New York |
| Link for Reference | Oxygen - Missing Persons |
The transition from a small-town cheerleader to a missing person in the bustling metropolis of New York City is a story shrouded in mystery and sorrow. Corinna, like many young people, likely yearned for independence and the excitement of a new life. The end of her senior year couldn't come soon enough, a sentiment shared by many on the cusp of adulthood. But the allure of the city, the promise of opportunity, also masked a darker reality.
The details of her disappearance are as unsettling as they are fragmented. In September 2017, Corinna, then 19, vanished from New York City. She was last seen leaving the Haven Motel in Queens in the early hours of September 20, 2017. Her social media activity, once a constant stream of updates, selfies, and everyday moments, abruptly ceased. This sudden silence was a red flag, a digital ghost that echoed the real-life absence of a young woman.
The investigation into her disappearance led to the discovery of unsettling connections. Court records indicate that on September 4, 2017, Corinna booked a room at a hotel in the Bronx known for its association with sex trafficking. It was here that she allegedly met Ishi Woney, a man who would later be convicted of sex trafficking. The narrative took a darker turn when it was revealed that Woney allegedly used online advertisements to promote prostitution, featuring images of Corinna and another alleged victim. Federal authorities believed they were closer to finding the missing Pennsylvania woman after arresting Woney, who was later sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sex trafficking of a minor.
Corinna's story is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that young people, especially women, can face. The lure of easy money, the promise of a glamorous life, or simply the need to escape a difficult situation can lead to choices with devastating consequences. Investigators believe Corinna was passed along between various pimps, becoming ensnared in a cycle of exploitation.
The search for Corinna was a painful odyssey for her mother, Sabina Tuorto. Before the sentencing of Ishi Woney, Sabina implored the Manhattan federal judge, Lorna Schofield, for answers, the anguish palpable in her plea. "Is she dead or alive?" she begged, the words carrying the weight of a mother's unending grief and desperate hope.
Further complicating matters, in August 2017, Corinna called 911 from the Harlem Vista Hotel in Manhattan, alleging that a man identified as her pimp, Peguero, had stolen $300 from her and assaulted her. This incident paints a picture of a young woman trapped in a dangerous and exploitative situation, further highlighting the circumstances that surrounded her disappearance.
Tragically, the questions surrounding Corinna's fate were partially answered on March 21, 2021, when her remains were discovered in a wooded area in the Bronx. While the discovery brought a sense of closure, it also solidified the devastating reality of her story. The finding didn't just confirm a tragic end; it underscored the insidious nature of the circumstances that led to her death.
The details of the charges against Ishi Woney, as outlined in legal documents, further illustrate the manipulative and coercive tactics used. As alleged, Woney compelled his victims into prostitution through force and coercion, exploiting them for financial gain. He advertised their services online, furthering the cycle of abuse and control.
The digital footprint of Corinnas life continues to offer a painful glimpse into her story. In 2021, four years after her disappearance, activity appeared on her Facebook account. The digital ghosts of her past reappeared briefly, raising questions as to who was behind the activity.
Corinna Slusser's story is a tragic reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, the resilience of a mother's love, and the desperate search for justice. It is a story that must be told to ensure her legacy, and to remind us of the vulnerabilities that can impact so many young women.
