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May 9, 2013

Ariel Castro Charged in Cleveland Kidnapping, Abuse Case 
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Cleveland prosecutors have charged Ariel Castro with kidnapping three
women and holding them captive for the past decade. Amanda Berry, Gina
De Jesus and Michele Knight were freed on Monday after Berry managed to
alert a neighbor. Berry's six-year-old daughter, who was born in
captivity, was also rescued. Authorities had also detained two of
Castro's brothers, but now say they will not face charges.

Victor Perez, Cleveland Prosecutor: "I just signed criminal complaints
charging Ariel Castro with four counts of kidnapping and three counts of
rape. The seven criminal complaints are first-degree felonies."

Edward Tomba, Cleveland Police Deputy Chief: "There is nothing that
leads us to believe that [the brothers] were involved, or that they had
any knowledge of this — and that comes from statements of our
victims, their statements and their brother's statements. So as far as
what their relationship is, Ariel kept everybody at a distance."

Investigators say the three women were at times bound in chains or rope
and endured brutal physical and sexual abuse. Knight has reportedly told
police that Castro forced her to miscarry five times through beatings
and starvation. Castro is due to appear in court today.

 

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