Ariel Castro Charged With Rape, Kidnapping
CLEVELAND (KDKA/AP) - Authorities have filed kidnapping and rape charges against a Cleveland man arrested after three women missing for about a decade were found alive at his home.
Homeowner Ariel Castro was charged Wednesday. Brothers Pedro and Onil Castro are held but face no charges right now.
The men are in custody and can't be reached for comment. Their brother-in-law has said the family is "totally shocked" after hearing about the women at the home.
The three women disappeared separately between 2002 and 2004 and were found Monday after one of them screamed for help to escape and contacted police.
Police say ropes and chains were among evidence collected inside the house. A city councilman says the women were subjected to prolonged sexual and psychological abuse and suffered miscarriages.
The community surrounding the three women who were found in Cleveland alive, more than 10 years after going missing is also relieved.
The aunt of Gina DeJesus, one of the three women found, says she is so happy and relieved to have her niece back.
"This is a miracle — a very, very large miracle," DeJesus' aunt Sandra Ruiz said. "Give us the family and Gina, Michelle and Amanda some time."
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