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Ariel Castro Charged With Kidnapping, Rape In Cleveland Kidnapping Case

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 8, 2013 10:00PM

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Ariel Castro (Mugshot via Cleveland Police Department)
Cleveland authorities charged Ariel Castro with four counts of kidnapping and three counts of rape Wednesday afternoon in the case of the three women freed after nearly a decade in his home. Castro was charged with one count of kidnapping each for the disappearances of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, Michelle Knight and Amanda Berry’s 6-year-old daughter.

NBC News has grisly details about some of Castro’s actions: He allegedly impregnated one of the women five separate times, then punched her in the stomach until she miscarried. Castro is also accused of forcing Michelle Knight to help Amanda Berry give birth to her daughter in a kiddie pool, then threatened to kill Knight if the baby died.

Charges were not filed against Castro’s brothers, Pedro and Onil, as authorities say they have no evidence the brothers were involved. (All three brothers are reportedly cooperating with police.) The three women have spoken with police about their time in captivity in Castro’s home, and police are working to corroborate details of their stories, but it’s believed they’ve been captive for so long some dates and times could be sketchy.

NBC Chicago reports Ariel Castro helped neighbors search for Gina DeJesus. He was remembered for handing out fliers, attending a candlelight vigil held last year and even played music at a fundraiser in her honor.

Amanda Berry arrived at her sister's home this afternoon. Beth Serrano spoke with the media, thanked the community for her support and asked for some privacy at this time. Gina DeJesus's family asked for privacy Tuesday. As for Michelle Knight, her family is still hoping they can soon be reunited with her.

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