UM was off the air by the time Cleveland teens Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus disappeared in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Today both were FOUND ALIVE after being held captive together in a house on Cleveland's West Side. The 52-year-old man who owns the house has been arrested.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/Cleveland-police-dispatch-Missing-teens-Amanda-Berry-and-Gina-DeJesus-found-alive


AMW DID profile both girls:

Amanda Berry (http://www.amw.com/missing_children/case.cfm?id=25773)

Gina DeJesus (http://www.amw.com/missing_children/case.cfm?id=26744)

Never give up hope! Thank goodness.

A photo says a thousand words - Amanda and her sister, Beth (left), are finally reunited after over 10 years apart. The little girl is believed to be Amanda's daughter.

A third woman named Michelle Knight was also found alive in the house after going missing in 2002! Such a miracle that three ladies were found alive.

The Charley Project profile for both these girls have not been updated yet, so I checked them out. Authorities seemed to suspect the Berry and DeJesus disappearances were connected and it looks they were right on the money. Amanda still seems to look exactly the same as when she disappeared:
http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/b/berry_amanda.html

It also says Amanda's mother received a call from a man claiming he was holding Amanda and was now married to her, but that she would get to see Amanda in a few days. Obviously, that didn't happen, but it looks like that call actually was legit. Sadly, Amanda's mother died in 2006.

Also, we were talking on another thread not long ago about the need for AMW to stay on the air in some capacity. I think the rescue of these women just drives home that point even further!!

I'm glad they were all found. I watched part of this on CNN a few hours ago and John Walsh was being interviewed by Erin Burnett.

I agree Catlover, this is a perfect example of why we need AMW still on the air!

It has been said that all 3 were found in reasonably good health.

Interesting to be able to judge the age progression photo. I wonder how old the abductors are and what their histories are.

Edit: they are in their early fifties so could have been committing major crimes since the early 80s.

Awesome news but I found this discouraging:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/amanda-berry-gina-dejesus-michelle-knight-found-a-decade-after-being-kidnapped-in-ohio-3-brothers-arrested-1.5211706

"Attempts to reach Ariel Castro in jail were unsuccessful Monday."

sadly, for at least one of the girls, their disappearance was viewed as a "runaway" by the authorities when it happened, which seems to happen too frequently.

I haven't been able to find anything online about Michelle Knight.

When I heard that there were 3 females found alive in a house in Ohio, I had hope that one of them was Cynthia Anderson.

Catlover you've beaten me to it, lol. I posted the news as well on the "All other Cases" thread before I checked here. :crazy:

I'm glad to see John Walsh is all over CNN about this. AMW may be gone, but he's still the go-to guy for this subject matter. He's popping up all over on my facebook newsfeed as well. I love that one pic where he has his arms folded. He may as well wear a t-shirt that says "don't mess with me!" :lol:

This case, along with ones such as the Jaycee Dugard, do give hope that some of the people who have been lost a very long time will eventually be found.

I'm amazed at all of these missing people being found alive this year. This makes four people found alive in the month of April alone!

I read an article that Ariel Castro's Son wrote about the missing kids in the Plain Press years ago when he was in College. Wow... there are no words.

This is why shows like AMW & UM need to be on the air. Parents of missing loved ones should never give up hope that your son/daughter is still out there.

Ariel Castro also worked as a school bus driver. :eek: :eek: :eek:

sadly, for at least one of the girls, their disappearance was viewed as a "runaway" by the authorities when it happened, which seems to happen too frequently.

I haven't been able to find anything online about Michelle Knight.

When I heard that there were 3 females found alive in a house in Ohio, I had hope that one of them was Cynthia Anderson.
I thought the other girl was Ashley Summers at first.

This article is sad. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/05/amanda_berry_is_dead_psychic_t.html

I know. :(

This article is sad. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/05/amanda_berry_is_dead_psychic_t.html

Good old Sylvia Brown.

At some point people have to stop believing her, and giving her media attention.

Good old Sylvia Brown.

At some point people have to stop believing her, and giving her media attention.

I think I'm more psychic than Sylvia Brown.

But it's great these girls were found alive, and major kudos to Charles Ramsey and the other neighbor who decided not to standby and help the girls get to freedom.

It's a little discouraging to hear so little information about the third girl who was rescued, Michelle Knight. I haven't been able to find any quotes from family members or friends of hers, I can't even find a picture. Apparently her disappearance wasn't as well publicized as the other girls, probably because she was 21 when she vanished in 2002.

It's a little discouraging to hear so little information about the third girl who was rescued, Michelle Knight. I haven't been able to find any quotes from family members or friends of hers, I can't even find a picture. Apparently her disappearance wasn't as well publicized as the other girls, probably because she was 21 when she vanished in 2002.

I heard something on the news. That her family thought she voluntarily walked away from her life. That did make a police report, other then that, that's about it.

I see now that 3 brothers have been arrested. They were originally reporting just one, although that was early in the goings-on.

Anyone else hear about Brenda Heist? This one has also been making news as of late. She resurfaced last week after having been missing since February of 2002 in Pennsylvania. She turned up in Florida and had been homeless for the last decade. Sounds like her daughter and perhaps other family members want nothing do with her since she walked out on her family.

The law better descend with full force upon the abductors. Make an example out of them.

There is nothing lower than a person who hurts innocent people or who robs innocence from someone.

http://fox8.com/2013/05/08/charges-expected-late-wednesday-afternoon/

Posted on: 3:32 pm, May 8, 2013, by Monica Volante and Kara Sutyak, updated on: 05:43pm, May 8, 2013

CLEVELAND – Ariel Castro was charged with kidnapping and rape, authorities announced during a press conference on Wednesday.

They also said that Ariel’s brothers, Pedro and Onil Castro, will not be charged in the case. Cleveland Division of Police Deputy Chief Edward Tomba said there are no facts that indicate the other two men were involved.

Police said Pedro and Onil were arrested because they were with Ariel during the time of the arrest.

Ariel Castro is accused of kidnapping Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight and holding them hostage for years in his Seymour Ave. home in Cleveland.

Ariel Castro is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning.

A few other details about the women being held hostage were revealed. Deputy Tomba said the three women never left the property; but the two times they did leave the house to go to the garage, they were in disguise.

Deputy Tomba also said nothing leads authorities to believe that the women knew Ariel Castro before the kidnappings.

From earlier today:

Posted on: 7:14 am, May 8, 2013, by Lindsay Buckingham and Stacey Frey, updated on: 02:22pm, May 8, 2013

CLEVELAND — “Chains and ropes” were among the several hundred items that have been removed from Ariel Castro’s home by an FBI recovery team, Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath told Fox 8 News.

“A thorough search of the scene at 2207 Seymour Avenue did not reveal human remains,” said Cleveland Safety Director Marty Flask.

A short time later, another shocking development: police sources told the FOX 8 I-Team on Wednesday that they found a letter written by Ariel Castro inside his home detailing his involvement with the three women.

Those startling details emerged on Day Two of an extensive search of Castro’s Seymour Avenue property. That’s where FBI agents and other investigators are looking for evidence of unimaginable horror: were other babies besides Amanda Berry’s 6-year-old daughter born there?

Crews searched Castro’s backyard all afternoon on Tuesday; they were still there Wednesday morning. Investigators will now discuss the next course of action and review the evidence, a city news release said.

The questioning of the three girls continues, but officials are being delicate with them in their traumatized state. McGrath says he has not yet spoken with the three rescued women.

Some of the women are being reunited with their families. Amanda Berry returned home Wednesday to a cheering street filled with family members, friends and media members.

Police said they expected Berry to speak after her return, but her sister said she was not yet ready.

“We are so happy to have Amanda and her daughter home. I want to thank the public and the media for their support and encouragement over the years. At this time, our family would request privacy so sister and niece and I can have time to recover,” Beth Serrano told reporters.

Meanwhile, Cleveland police have asked a judge to extend the normal 36-hour period for criminal charges to 48. They have until early Wednesday evening to present the case to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor.

Officials also want to make sure Ariel Castro and his brothers are properly investigated before deciding on appropriate charges.
In Castro’s Seymour Avenue neighborhood, residents are still in stunned disbelief of what has transpired over the last few days. How could they not have known that these young women were held prisoner for a decade? What could they have done to help?

Those are some of the questions investigators hope to help them answer in the ongoing investigation.

The case has garnered international attention, with media outlets from around the world camped out across Cleveland’s west side.

It truly is the end of an era.http://gawab.anvtech.com/6.jpg
http://gawab.anvtech.com/7.jpg
http://gawab.anvtech.com/8.jpg
http://gawab.anvtech.com/9.jpg

Stop spamming no one wants to go to your ANVtech website

There have been more and more stories coming out about this sickie, Ariel Castro.

He kept all three girls tied up in dark rooms in the house for years. They were only allowed to go outside twice in 10 years, only to go to the detached garage and only under heavy disguises.

He went to the candlelight vigils held by the Berry and DeJesus families, and he would bring back the missing fliers for the girls to see.

Not only did Amanda Berry get pregnant and deliver a baby in a KIDDIE POOL in the house, but one of the other two girls (they didn't say which one) suffered at least two miscarriages. He beat the girl up when she was pregnant and caused her to miscarry.

Unfortunately, he is not eligible for the death penalty (since no murder was committed - at least none that we know of - YET). He can only get life in prison.

For the sake of the young ladies, I hope his lawyer and the Cuyahoga County prosecutor can cut a deal so they don't have to endure a trial.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/abc-news-kidnapping-rape-suspect-ariel-castro-was-on-suicide-watch

Reports: Kidnapping, rape suspect Ariel Castro was on suicide watch, apparent suicide note found

Posted: 9:35 AM
Last Updated: 6 hours and 11 minutes ago

By: Connor Kiesel, newsnet5.com

CLEVELAND - The man charged with kidnapping and rape in the case of three missing women who were found alive at his Cleveland home was on suicide watch Thursday morning.

ABC News reports they were told by the public defender for Ariel Castro that he was placed under the notice in the medical unit of the jail.

CNN's Martin Savidge reports that an apparent suicide note written by Castro has been found in his Seymour Avenue home, according to law enforcement officials who have seen the note.

Savidge also reports that the note was written in 2004, and in the note Castro writes of some “previous abuse” against him by another family member, according to a high-ranking law enforcement source.

Castro entered court for his arraignment Thursday morning in a blue jumpsuit, handcuffed, and kept his head down while continuing to stare at the floor. His bond was set at $2 million on each case, for a total of $8 million.

He will now be transferred to Cuyahoga County Jail, according to his public defender.

Continue checking newsnet5.com for more developments.

We're finally getting more info about Michele Knight coming in. And the police aren't coming off well. She vanished one year before Amanda Berry, 2 years before Gina DeJesus and just 2 blocks away from where the other girls vanished yet police never thought her case was connected to the other two. There was next to no coverage in the local media about her disappearance and the police told Michele's mother there was little they could do because she most likely ran away on her own. She was 20 at the time and apparently was in a custody battle to get her son back. Evidently, she was gang raped by 3 boys in her high school and got pregnant as a result.

Michele's mother pretty much had to investigate and hang missing posters throughout the state on her own. And now, a decade later, the police look like a bunch of fools.

Michele was readmitted to the hospital yesterday. According to her aunt, she is fine physically but mentally, is having a difficult time adjusting to what is going on now that she's finally out of that hell hole.

Yeah, I'm a lifelong Cleveland-area resident and while I had heard plenty about Amanda and Gina right from the start, I had never heard of Michelle until Monday.

Poor girl - even before being kidnapped and held hostage for almost 12 years, to go through a gang rape and then fight for custody over her son...it's no wonder she's back in the hospital. Then of course, Castro impregnated her several times and beat her so savagely that she would miscarry. He also forced her to deliver Amanda's baby Jocelyn and threatened to kill her if she didn't obey.

Last night, just for Michelle, a large group of people gathered in a park and released balloons. They wanted to make sure she wasn't forgotten.

Last I heard, Castro was still on suicide watch. I know this sounds horrible, but too bad they won't let him go through with it. That way, there's no need for the cost of a trial and making the girls testify, and I think the taxpayers' money would be a lot better spent than having to feed and clothe him when he often starved those women.

Getting back to Michelle, I hope and pray she is able to leave the hospital soon and go to a loving, caring environment. God bless her.

They broke into regular programming an hour ago to announce that the DNA and paternity tests are in, confirming what everyone suspected. Ariel Castro is indeed the sperm donor (I refuse to use the word "father") that impregnated Amanda Berry, resulting in 6-year-old Jocelyn.

Anyone know if it's legal for a news organization publish the photo of the 6 year old girl who is one of the survivors of this twisted guy?

Is it legal for them to publish the photograph, name, address, and phone number of one of the witnesses even before this case has gone to trial?

The reason I ask is because one online news source is obsessed with this case and keeps publishing several new articles a day, even digging up such hard hitting pertinent facts :rolleyes: as how the perp likes to eat his hamburgers. They keep showing the little girls face with a headline announcing her parentage in a disturbing "you ARE the father" sleazy fashion instead of handling that situation with a little more compassion.

A transcript of the 911 call from one of the witnesses was published by the same news organization without redacting personal identifying information.

They are also admitting that they are getting some of their information from "leaked police reports".

I can't help but think that this would cause some problems in a future trial, the witness could be the victim of witness intimidation since now everyone knows all the identifying info, or some stalker nut or identity thief could use the information to cause a lot of problems for the witness.

You bring up a good point. I hope Cuyahoga County doesn't screw this up - the hierarchy in Cleveland hasn't exactly had a sterling reputation these past few DECADES!!! :eek:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20699697,00.html

By Jeff Truesdell

05/12/2013 at 12:10 PM EDT

The voices of the Cleveland kidnapping survivors have finally been heard, as they reached out on Mother's Day through a spokesman for all three to recognize the efforts of law enforcement and the support of loved ones.

Amanda Berry said in a statement, "Thank you so much for everything you're doing and continue to do. I am so happy to be home with my family."

While Gina DeJesus said, "I'm so happy to be home. I want to thank everyone for all your prayers. I just want time now to be with my family."

And Michelle Knight, whose whereabout is currently unknown, said: "Thank you to everyone for your support and good wishes. I am healthy, happy and safe, and will reach out to family, friends and supporters in good time."

The three women have returned from their captivity to starkly different welcomes.

Berry's family maintains a protective, quiet cocoon around the home of Amanda's sister Beth Berry Serrano, where Amanda is staying; her mother died while Amanda was held captive.

Sixty blocks away on Cleveland's west side, DeJesus's parents – who held a backyard celebration for relatives and close friends within view of neighbors and the media after she arrived at the house by police motorcade on Wednesday – have displayed a boisterous, open-arms embrace, even while DeJesus has remained shielded indoors.

Michelle Knight, meanwhile, spent much of the past week in the hospital and has kept her family of immediate and distant relatives at bay since she was freed on Monday evening. Her release may have been the first confirmation that many in her family even knew she was missing, believing instead that she took off on her own at age 20 after losing her 2-year-old son in a custody dispute. That son, Joey, is believed to be in foster care, according to several family members, who are still reaching out in hopes of re-connecting with Michelle.

Their Mother's Day statements released Sunday may be the only words the young women will share publicly for a while.

"There is a pending criminal investigation and prosecution," says the spokesman. "Miss Berry, Miss DeJesus and Miss Knight are victim witnesses in that proceeding, and it is not in the best interest of anyone connected with that proceeding for Miss Berry, Miss DeJesus and Miss Knight to be making statements to the media while that proceeding is pending."

"Most importantly, Miss Berry, Miss DeJesus and Miss Knight have asked – in fact have pleaded – for privacy at this time so they can continue to heal and reconnect with their families and their lives."

Reading about Michelle Knight, there's been more heartbreaking information released. She still has not been reunited with her family, other than a visit with one of her brothers at the hospital. She refused a visit request from her mother and she has completely shunned her grandmother.

It looks as though she might be angry that her family so easily and quickly assumed she ran away of her own will and did not make much of an attempt to find her. Her name was removed from an FBI missing person's database in 2003 because police couldn't find a single family member to confirm she was "still missing." This is just one year after she vanished.

Amanda Berry mentioned in her 9-1-1 call that she's been on the news for ten years. It would seem the three girls were allowed to watch TV during their decade of capture. And while Gina and Amanda saw the vigils and constant interviews with their families relentless searches for them on the TV screen, Michelle saw absolutely nothing on her behalf.

Michelle's grandmother released a statement yesterday saying that the whole family assumed she left on her own. But reading about what was going on in her life at the time, I'm surprised they came to this conclusion. At the time of her disappearance, Michelle was heartbroken that she had lost custody of her 3 year old son. There was a custody battle scheduled in court just a few days after Michelle vanished, yet the family STILL thought she was so upset that she decided to run away. Why they thought that is beyond me. Logically, she would want to be in that courtroom, wouldn't she? Why run away before that?

Reports also say that Michelle believes her family just wants in on the publicity and any money that might be set aside for her through funds. There were also hints of abuse by her family to her before she went missing but nothing specific was mentioned.

Evidently, Castro beat Michelle so much over the years that she's going to need some facial reconstruction surgery. She's also deaf in one ear. She was left starved and beaten through 5 pregnancies yet Castro allowed Amanda Berry to give birth to a child. But even during that birth, Michelle was forced to deliver the baby and threatened with her life if the baby was stillborn. From what little information the public knows, it would seem Michelle might have been abused the worst of the three girls all those years and I'm not sure why.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/michelle-knights-location-still-a-mystery-20130514-2jitl.html

I agree 100%. I feel so terrible for Michelle. Supposedly (according to the local news reports here in Cleveland), she is now staying with the DeJesus family. Understandably, she and Gina consider each other sisters and have so for many years.

Michelle's mother also hired a lawyer to force her daughter to see her. I see it as a total waste of time and money since Michelle was of age when she was kidnapped and is in her 30s now. Michelle was allegedly gang-raped and that's how she got pregnant with her son. Ariel Castro supposedly threatened to kill Michelle if anything happened to Amanda's baby that she was forced to deliver.

Yes, she definitely has the saddest story of the three women. Amanda and Gina came from loving homes. Their families have been very close to each other as they held many vigils, walks and such over the years. Despite the fact that Amanda's mom passed away of for all intent and purposes of a broken heart before Amanda was found, she and Gina returned to happy families.

I hope and pray she can adjust to life outside of captivity. She has many people who are cheering her on!!!

I've been reading two versions about Michelle's mother: that she did believe she ran away and other sources saying she was on a crusade without the help police.

Michelle could have been brainwashed into thinking her family didn't want her...

I wouldn't put it past that monster to have brainwashed her on top of all the other torture he subjected her to. Besides, she was alone with him for 8 months before he kidnapped Amanda Berry.

But it appears that she had issues with her family LONG before her abduction, so who knows? Though I will admit that something about her family just seems...off. I would not be surprised a bit if they really are after her share of the money in the Cleveland Courage Fund.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20700403,00.html

Ariel Castro to Plead Not Guilty: His Lawyers Explain Why

By Andrea Billups

05/15/2013 at 08:25 AM EDT

Ariel Castro, who is facing kidnapping and rape charges over the alleged abduction of three Cleveland women, will plead not guilty, his lawyers say.

"The initial portrayal of him is one of a quote 'monster,' and that is not the impression that I got," one of his two attorneys, Craig Weintraub, said in an interview that aired on Wednesday's Today show.

Added Castro's co-counsel, attorney Jaye Schlachet: "He is a human being, but what is offensive is that the women and the media want to demonize this man before they know the whole story, and I think it's unfair and not equitable."

While prosecutors have alleged that Castro, 52, operated a torture chamber and private prison, keeping the women – Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight – incarcerated and often chained for up to a decade inside his Cleveland home, Castro's attorneys say they know the whole story, which will come out as the case moves ahead.

"I am aware of how he came in contact with them," Weintraub told NBC News about the three victims. He did not reveal further details of the defense's strategy.

A not-guilty plea would send the case to trial, which could force the three women to testify and, as experts have pointed out, re-live what authorities say took place in the house.

DNA tests show Castro is the father of a daughter, 6, with victim Amanda Berry, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced earlier this week. While Castro is kept locked in the Cuyahoga County jail cell in isolation, his lawyers say he is concerned about his child and that he is a loving dad.

Speaking to TV station WKYC Tuesday, the attorneys – Schlachet also defended convicted Cleveland serial killer Anthony Sowell, now on death row for the murder of 11 women whose bodies were found at his home – expressed their concern about Castro's receiving a fair trial.

"Mr. Castro is extremely committed to the well-being and positive future of his daughter, who he loves and cares about," said Weintraub.

"He is a human being, but what is offensive is that the women and the media want to demonize this man before they know the whole story, and I think it's unfair and not equitable."


Will someone help me pick my jaw off the ground?

"He is a human being, but what is offensive is that the women and the media want to demonize this man before they know the whole story, and I think it's unfair and not equitable."


Will someone help me pick my jaw off the ground?
exactly - the lawyer that has known this piece of crap for all of $500 an hour knows him better than his victims forced to spend half their lives chained up in his basement :rolleyes:

i think that lawyer is a piece of garbage and deserves to burn in hell.

"He is a human being, but what is offensive is that the women and the media want to demonize this man before they know the whole story, and I think it's unfair and not equitable."


Will someone help me pick my jaw off the ground?Pretty much.

I'm fairly certain the women know the "whole story". :rolleyes:

"He is a human being, but what is offensive is that the women and the media want to demonize this man before they know the whole story, and I think it's unfair and not equitable."


Will someone help me pick my jaw off the ground?


I'm sure he claims "Through the spirit of Christ a mental process took place ending a sexual problem believed to be impossible," like Garrido, or some such nonsense. Ugh!

"He is a human being, but what is offensive is that the women and the media want to demonize this man before they know the whole story, and I think it's unfair and not equitable."

Will someone help me pick my jaw off the ground?

I know. Lawyers have to say crap like that even when they know their client is guilty as hell. But it's still pick your jaw off the floor worthy in this case.

What exactly is this full story that's going to be revealed on Castro's behalf? That the three girls voluntarily went to his house, voluntarily chained themselves to walls and voluntarily stayed for a decade? :rolleyes:

Yet another reason why people love lawyers!!! :rolleyes:

I know. Lawyers have to say crap like that even when they know their client is guilty as hell. But it's still pick your jaw off the floor worthy in this case.

What exactly is this full story that's going to be revealed on Castro's behalf? That the three girls voluntarily went to his house, voluntarily chained themselves to walls and voluntarily stayed for a decade? :rolleyes:

That is OBVIOUSLY what happened, it's the only logical thing.... said no one ever.

That is OBVIOUSLY what happened, it's the only logical thing.... said no one ever.

:yeahthat

i think anyone that wants to defend this guy should have to spend a week chained up in his basement first - and THEN see how much he wants the job.

- at least then they would be less likely to make such ridiculously assinine comments.

Can he also face charges on keeping Jocelyn a secret? She's 6 years old, never been to school, and never seen a doctor before the escape. What are the laws on that?

http://fox8.com/2013/06/07/grand-jury-indicts-ariel-castro-on-329-counts/

Ariel Castro Indicted on 329 Counts

Posted on: 5:39 pm, June 7, 2013, by Darcie Loreno, updated on: 09:44pm, June 7, 2013

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ariel Castro, 52, has been indicted on 329 counts, including aggravated murder, County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty announced Friday.

He’s accused of abducting Michelle Knight, now 32, in August 2002; Amanda Berry, now 27, a day before her 17th birthday in April 2003; and Gina DeJesus, now 23, in April 2004.

DNA tests revealed a daughter born to Berry six years ago was fathered by Castro.

The indictments cover only the period from August of 2002, when the first of the three women discovered in his Seymour Avenue house last month disappeared, until February of 2007.

***To read the indictments, click here.***

Castro was indicted for one act of aggravated murder – for purposely and with prior calculation and design causing the unlawful termination of another’s pregnancy, as covered by Sections 2903.01(A) and (B) of the Ohio Revised Code, according to the release.

He was also indicted on 139 counts of rape, 177 counts of kidnapping, seven counts of gross sexual imposition, three counts of felonious assault and one count of possession of criminal tools.

He will be arraigned on those charges next week, and a trial judge will be assigned at that time, according to the release.

“Today’s indictments represent a first major step in the criminal justice process,’’ McGinty said in a release. “Our investigation continues, and we will present our findings to the grand jury.’’

Jim Wooley, attorney for Berry and DeJesus, and Kathy Joseph, attorney for Knight, issued a statement Friday evening in reaction to the indictments, saying the women have “confidence and faith in the prosecutor’s office.”

When the indictment process is complete, the County Prosecutor’s Capital Review Committee will consider whether the case is appropriate to attach a death penalty specification, according to the release.

This is a developing story. Stick with Fox and Fox8.com for more details.

http://fox8.com/2013/07/12/hundreds-more-charges-filed-against-ariel-castro/

Ariel Castro Facing Additional Charges

Posted on: 2:26 pm, July 12, 2013, by Kara Sutyak and Emily Valdez, updated on: 09:51pm, July 12, 2013

CLEVELAND– Ariel Castro now faces a 977-count indictment. He had already been charged in a more than 300-count indictment.

The 53-year-old is accused of kidnapping Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus and holding them hostage at his Seymour Ave. home in Cleveland for nearly a decade.

Friday’s indictment covers the entire time period from August of 2002 to May of 2013, when the women escaped.

Castro will be arraigned July 17 on the new indictment.

All three women released a video this week, thanking the public for their support.

The new indictments also have child endangerment charges for the alleged treatment of his 6-year-old daughter that Castro fathered with Berry.

The 977 total charges break down as follows:

- Two counts of aggravated murder

- 512 counts of kidnapping

- 446 counts of rape

- Seven counts of gross sexual imposition

- Six counts of felonious assault

- Three counts of child endangerment

- One count of possessing criminal tools

*CLICK HERE to read the entire indictment*

The grand jury indicted Castro with about one count of kidnapping and rape for each victim, for each month, they were reportedly held captive.

The two aggravated murder charges relate to a single incident involving an unborn child.

The initial police report indicates that Knight said Castro beat her when she became pregnant to force miscarriages.

Castro’s attorneys, Craig Weintraub and Jaye Schlachet, released the following statement after the new indictment came down:

“The first indictment only contained charges through early 2007 so we expected additional charges from a grand jury. We are pleased that we were able to convince the prosecutor’s office to not seek and obtain the death penalty in this new indictment. It is our hope that we can continue to work toward a resolution of this matter so that the women do not have to endure any additional trauma.”

Prosecutors have not decided if they will seek the death penalty. In the new indictment, the state retains the option of adding a death penalty specification.

.

http://fox8.com/2013/07/26/castro-due-in-court-plea-deal-on-the-table/

CLEVELAND — Life without parole plus 1,000 years is the recommendation for sentence for a man who held three women captive for 10 years.

Sentencing for Ariel Castro is set for Aug. 1.

He pleaded guilty to hundreds of charges Friday morning and told the judge he understood the charges. He said he had an addiction to pornography.

Castro, 53, admitted to kidnapping and raping three women repeatedly for a decade.

The three women, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight and Berry’s child, whom Castro fathered during her captivity, escaped in May.

The plea deal spares the victims from having to testify.

For the first time since his arrest, Castro appeared in court wearing glasses. He kept his head up during the hearing and answered the judge’s questions.

He also said several times he knew he would not be eligible for parole and would spend the rest of his life locked up.

He said he knew the “book would be thrown at me.”

Prosecutors also filed a motion to amend the indictment, saying they would not seize certain property belonging to Castro, including four motorcycles, three vehicles and a pension, possibly so those items could be given to his family.

That motion was granted.

Castro’s house and about $22,000 will be forfeited. Photo albums, clothing and certain approved belongings will be given to his family.

I am glad he is not getting the death penalty, he does not deserve that

I saw the news footage today. It's a relief to know that this sicko will spend the rest of his life in prison.

I'm very glad this did not go to trial - for the sake of the girls, their families and the community at large. He'll never see the light of day again - and that's all that matters.

I'm very glad this did not go to trial - for the sake of the girls, their families and the community at large. He'll never see the light of day again - and that's all that matters.I definitely agree with that. Those girls will thankfully never have to deal with him again.

He will be formally sentenced on Thursday (8/1) at 9 AM EST. The women have the choice to face him and speak if they want to.

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/308435/3/Ariel-Castro-sentencing-is-approaching

10:55 PM, Jul 29, 2013

CLEVELAND -- The final chapter in what has been an emotional roller-coaster of tragedy and triumph will soon come to a close Thursday with the sentencing of Ariel Castro.

Last week Castro pleaded guilty to more than 900 criminal counts of kidnapping, rape, and aggravated murder.

With the plea deal Castro's victims now have the choice as to whether or not they want to face him in court. A faceoff Ariel Castro's own son does not want to have, even after he is locked away for life.

Anthony Castro expressed as much in an exclusive interview with The Today Show on Monday.

"Right now I can't see any scenario where I would go visit him. He's been lying to his family for the past 10 -11 years. At every possible turn I have no trust in him," said Anthony Castro.

Amanda, Gina, and Michelle have yet to disclose if they plan to attend Castro's sentencing Thursday.

All three women have the option to appear in court or they may also choose to submit a video or written testimony, or elect a representative to testify on their behalf.

According to a spokesman with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors office, prosecutors are still ironing out all the elements they'll be presenting in court Thursday.

Thursday proceedings are anticipated to take a substantial amount of time with Prosecutor Tim McGinty wanting to make clear to the judge, public, and record the impact Castro's crimes have had not only on his victims but the entire community.

WKYC-TV

http://fox8.com/2013/08/01/michelle-knight-i-will-live-on-you-will-die-a-little-every-day/

Posted on: 1:19 pm, August 1, 2013, by Kara Sutyak, updated on: 02:06pm, August 1, 2013

CLEVELAND– She cried every night. She felt so alone. She wondered if she would ever see her son again.

Michelle Knight, one of Ariel Castro’s victims, showed up in person at his sentencing hearing on Thursday and shared her heartbreaking story of what she said happened to her and the women inside the Seymour Avenue home for years.

Michelle was held hostage the longest. She said years turned into eternity.

Castro told her that her family didn’t care. Christmas was the “most traumatic day,” because Knight wasn’t able to spend it with her son.

“You took 11 years of my life away, but now I have it back. I spent 11 years in hell. Now your hell is just beginning,” Knight told Castro.

She went on to say, “I will live on; you will die a little every day.”

Knight told Castro he deserves to spend life in prison. “I can forgive you, but I will never forget. With the guidance of God, I will prevail and help others who suffered,” Knight said.

Knight said she knows there is more good than evil in the world.

Michelle finished her statement by saying, “After 11 years, I am finally being heard and it’s liberating. Thank you all. I love you. God bless you.”

Amanda Berry’s sister, Beth Serrano, read a statement on behalf of her sister.

Amanda was kidnapped in 2003.

Beth said her sister is strong inside and out and is getting better every day. She said Amanda does not want to talk about these things or for others to talk about these things because of her daughter.

Sylvia Colon spoke on Gina DeJesus’ behalf. She is Gina’s cousin.

She said Gina does not live as a victim; she lives as a survivor.

Colon said, “Today is the last day we want to talk about this. We will continue to live and love. We stand before you and promise you that our beloved family member cries, laughs, swims, dances, and more importantly she loves and she is loved.”

Colon spoke in Spanish to Castro. Translated, she said, “May God have mercy on you.”

Ariel Castro found dead in his jail cell. Good riddance, he sucks.

Michelle's words, telling him he was facing hell forever sure came true a lot faster than I thought they would.

Yes. Now Michelle, Gina, Amanda and Jocelyn and their families will never have to worry about him again. Also, as a resident and taxpayer of the state of Ohio, I'm glad that we won't be footing the bill for feeding, clothing and sheltering him anymore...

http://www.19actionnews.com/story/23331636/convicted-cleveland-kidnapper-hangs-himself

Breaking News

Ariel Castro: Convicted Cleveland kidnapper/rapist found dead in cell

Posted: Sep 03, 2013 10:57 PM EDT Updated: Sep 04, 2013 8:58 AM EDT

(WOIO) -

53-year-old convicted kidnapper and rapist Ariel Castro was found hanging in his cell Tuesday night.

Castro was being held at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, OH in Pickaway County. This is a place where inmates new to the prison system are taught what to expect while locked up.


Castro was sentenced on August 1 to life in prison, plus 1,000 years, for kidnapping and sexually assaulting Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus while holding them captive in his Seymour Avenue house for over a decade.

According to CNN Castro's brother-in-law, Juan Alicea, told the network that the family was notified by the warden about 1 a.m. The family is angry, Alicea said, that it learned about the death from media reports first.

JoEllen Smith, of the Ohio Department of Corrections, sent 19 Action News this statement:

Inmate Ariel Castro was found hanging in his cell this evening at 9:20 p.m. at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient. He was housed in protective custody which means he was in a cell by himself and rounds are required every 30 minutes at staggered intervals. Upon finding inmate Castro, prison medical staff began performing life saving measures. Shortly after he was transported to OSUMC where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 p.m. A thorough review of this incident is underway and more information can be provided as it becomes available pending the status of the investigation.

The overriding question is what about the medical and psychological tests that are done. Did those evaluations show any inclination that Castro would harm himself?

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson released the following statement regarding Castro's death:

"Our focus remains on the well-being of the survivors of Seymour Avenue. It is our sincere hope that they will continue to heal and recover. I ask the community to continue to respect the privacy of the survivors so that they can move forward with their lives."

Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Department of Corrections are investigating the death.

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