By Michael Sangiacomo and Sara Leitch
Plain Dealer Reporter

Zaida Rosa and Angelica Nieves did everything together.

They married brothers, lived next door to one another and shared a house after their husbands died.

"They were always together," said Maria Cornieles, a neighbor. "They would walk together, go to church together, sit out on the back porch together!"

On Wednesday, about 4 p.m., they were found slain, side by side in their home at 3300 W. 33rd St.

Cleveland police yesterday arrested Rose's son, Angel Torres, in connection with their deaths. Cuyahoga County Coroner Dr. Elizabeth Balraj said the women died from multiple blows to the head' and about 30 stab wounds each to the head, neck, chest and back.

One hour after Rosa 52, and Nieves, 62, were found, Ures, 33, was arrested at his home in Lakewood. He had not been charged Thursday afternoon.

Police said Torres served four and a half years in prison at 1Ama Correctional Institution for possession of drugs and related charges. He was released in January.

Police declined to talk about, the motive for the slaying.

Neighbors of the two victims were amazed at how fast word of the tragedy sped Wednesday.

"I've never seen anything like it," said a neighbor who wished to be identified only by her first name, Betty.

"There were hundreds of friends and relatives out in the street. They cried and cried. One woman rolled on the lawn, crying because she was so sad. Those people all stayed there, respectfully, until the bodies were removed!"

A relative of the victims. Peggy Torres of Cleveland, said the family is shocked about the deaths, and about the arrest.

"We can't believe it," she said. "They were such good women, they had no problems with anyone. Angel is all right, he even lived there with his mother for six or seven months. This family has been through so much."

Rosa's husband Eucady Torres, committed suicide two months ago while awaiting trial on a rape charge. Nieves's husband died two years ago.

"I didn't know them very well, but I liked them," said Betty.

"When Zaida went to Puerto Rico 1 parked my car at her place to make it look like someone was there. She said 'You look out for me, Betty, anc I'll look out. We take care of each other' I did not sleep well last night!

Betty's house is cheerful except for the iron grates that cover every window on the first floor and enclose the front porch.

"This used to be a nice neighborhood all around here," she said "Now, this block is good, but you go one block away and its terrible.