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May 13, 2013

Cleveland Victims Thank Supporters; Paternity Test Confirms Suspect Fathered Rescued Child 
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The three women freed from a decade-long imprisonment in a Cleveland
home last week have issued a public statement thanking their supporters
and appealing for privacy. A spokesperson read the message on their
behalf.

Jim Wooley: "Amanda Berry, Gina De Jesus and Michele Knight are
extremely grateful for the generous assistance and loving support of
their family, friends and the community. ... Amanda Berry says, quote:
'Thank you so much for everything you're doing and continue to do. I am
so happy to be home with my family.' Gina De Jesus says, quote: 'I'm so
happy to be home. I want to thank everybody for all your prayers. I just
want time now to be with my family.' Michele Knight says: 'Thank you to
everyone' — quote: '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.'"

A paternity test has confirmed that the detained suspect, Ariel Castro,
is the father of Berry's six-year-old daughter, who was also freed. The
longest-held captive, Michele Knight, has stayed away from her family so
far following her release from the hospital on Friday. Knight has told
police she was repeatedly beaten and raped over the years and forced to
miscarry at least five times. Her grandmother says her injuries are so
serious she may need surgery for facial reconstruction.

 

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