A Cleveland man faces a string of charges for allegedly kidnapping two teens and a young woman and holding them for nearly a decade at his home. They were rescued Monday after one of them broke a screen door and screamed for help.

Ariel Castro
Ariel Castro (Cleveland Police)
loading...

Ariel Castro was charged today with four counts of kidnapping — covering all three captives and the daughter born to one of them while she was held. He was also charged with three counts of rape against the three women. Prosecutors brought no charges against Castro's two brothers, saying there was no evidence they had any part in the crime.

Police say the women were apparently bound with ropes and chains. City Councilman Brian Cummins, who was briefed on the case, says that they were subjected to prolonged sexual and psychological abuse and suffered miscarriages. The victims were kept in the basement of the dilapidated house.

Two of the young women, meanwhile, have been welcomed home by jubilant crowds of loved ones and neighbors. The third captive is reported in good condition at a hospital.

Family: Don't retaliate vs. Cleveland suspects

A Guardian Angel waits for the car carrying kidnap victim Gina DeJesus to arrive at her house
A Guardian Angel waits for the car carrying kidnap victim Gina DeJesus to arrive at her house (Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
loading...

The aunt of one of three women held captive for about a decade in Cleveland thanked police for their help, asked the public for time and privacy to heal and urged the community not to retaliate against the suspects.

Sandra Ruiz spoke to reporters after Gina DeJesus, who disappeared in 2004, arrived home Wednesday afternoon to chants of "Gina! Gina!"

Wearing a bright hooded shirt, DeJesus was escorted into her home by a woman with her arm around her.

Earlier Wednesday, Amanda Berry arrived at her sister's home. Berry's sister made a brief statement thanking the public for their support but asking for privacy.

Charges against the man who owns the home where three women were found and his two brothers are expected to come Wednesday.

 


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM