The bizarre story coming out of Ohio about three women who were rescued after purportedly being kidnapped nearly a decade ago has garnered a plethora of interest and attention. Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michele Knight were found alive years after each, in separate incidents, went missing. Now, as details unfold, new twists are emerging in this curious story -- fascinating and odd information surrounding Ariel Castro, 52, one of the three individuals arrested in connection with the case.
As TheBlaze previously reported, the women were found alive in Castro's home on Monday, spawning questions about how they got there, who was involved in their capture and detainment and what occurred inside the house over the past decade. In yet another odd find, after the women were rescued, WKYC-TV's Sara Shookman uncovered a news article written in 2004 about DeJesus, one of the girls who had been detained. It's author? Ariel Castro, the son of the prime suspect who was arrested on Monday.
A general view of the exterior of the house where, on Monday, three women who had disappeared as teenagers approximately ten years ago were found alive on May 7, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. Amanda Berry, who went missing in 2003, Gina DeJesus, who went missing in 2004, and Michele Knight, who went missing in 2002, were all found alive in the same house. Three suspects, all brothers, have been taken into custody. Credit: Getty Images
In 2004, he wrote the article about how DeJesus' disappearance had profoundly changed her neighborhood. He was a journalism student at Bowling Green State University when he wrote the article. See an image of the piece, below (and read it here):
The article showcased how DeJesus' capture impacted the community at the time. It included quotes from her mother, Nancy Ruiz, and neighbors. It also noted how parents had increased fears about keeping their children safe at the time.
It is not clear whether Castro knew of his father's alleged involvement in holding Berry, DeJesus and Knight captive at the time of the article, however his reaction when speaking with Shookman was one of surprise. The reporter talked with Castro, 31, who told her that the situation "is beyond comprehension." "I'm truly stunned right now," he added.
These undated handout photos provided by the FBI show Amanda Berry, left, and Georgina "Gina" Dejesus. Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath said he thinks Berry, DeJesus and Michelle Knight were tied up at the house and held there since they were in their teens or early 20s. Berry and the two other women who went missing a decade ago were found on Monday, May 6, 2013 elating family members and friends who'd longed to see them again. Credit: AP
Neighbors, friends and family cheered the fact that Berry, DeJesus and Knight were found alive. Their recovery came following a frantic 911 call that led police to a house near downtown Cleveland on Monday.
Police Chief Michael McGrath says they were tied up at the house and held there since they were in their teens or early 20s. Three brothers were arrested. Authorities released no names and gave no information about them or what charges they might face, but WKYC-TV is identifying one of them as Castro. Other outlets have added that his brothers Pedro, 54, and O'Neal, 50 were detained as well.
The suspect was a bus driver until last year, adding additional questions to the case surrounding his potential access to children or teens. Police say they found chains and bondage in the basement of the home.
Charles Ramsey, a neighbor who helped free the women on Monday, described his own surprise at finding them in the home. In speaking with WEWS-TV, he expressed shock at what had unfolded, noting that he and Castro have barbequed together and spent time with one another. But Ramsey said he had no idea what was unfolding inside of the home.
"Bro, not a clue that that girl was in that house or anybody else was in there against their will, because how he is. He just comes out to his backyard, plays with the dogs, tinkering with his cars and motorcycles, go back in the house," he said. "So he’s somebody you look, then look away. He’s not doing anything, but the average stuff. You see what I’m saying? There’s nothing exciting about him. Well, until today."
Along with the three women, a young child was also found in the home. Police say that she is Berry's daughter. And as additional details about the women and their treatment emerge, a disturbing picture is developing. WKYV-TV has more:
The women found safe last night on Seymour Avenue were forced to have sex with their captors, resulting in up to five pregnancies, several police sources tell Channel 3 News.
One of those sources tells the Investigator Tom Meyer that the captors would beat the pregnant girls. Both sources say the babies didn't survive.
Calls to the Cleveland Police Department were not immediately returned.
The sources say it is unclear what happened following the pregnancies.
Officials shared additional details at a press conference earlier today. A portion of it can be viewed, below:
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(H/T: WKYC-TV)
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