What Did Ariel Castro Do? A Horrific Crime
What horrors did three young women endure for over a decade in Cleveland? What did Ariel Castro do to keep them captive for so long?
In their book Hope, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus recount their harrowing experiences as victims of Ariel Castro's heinous crimes. You'll learn about their abductions, life in captivity, and eventual escape from Castro's house of horrors.
Keep reading to discover the shocking details of what Ariel Castro did and how these brave survivors reclaimed their lives.
The Horrific Crimes of Ariel Castro
The Abductions
What did Ariel Castro do to begin his reign of terror? It all started with the abduction of Amanda Berry. Using deception, Castro lured Amanda into his vehicle by posing as the father of her school friend. Once at his home, he forced her to undress and sexually assaulted her. Amanda was then imprisoned in Castro's Cleveland house, where she was subjected to heavy chains, padlocks, and plastic cable ties. This horrific act was just the beginning of Castro's decade-long crime spree.
Gina DeJesus fell victim to Castro's deceit in a similar manner. Castro, who was known to Gina's family, offered her a ride while she was walking home from school. He used the same tactic to kidnap Michelle Knight, enticing her with the promise of a puppy.
Life in Captivity
The women endured unimaginable horrors during their captivity. They were subjected to frequent sexual assaults, physical abuse, and psychological torment. Castro treated them as his property, controlling their every move and subjecting them to trivial tasks.
Amanda was forced to wear worn socks to protect against the abrasion from chains. She also had to care for her newborn daughter, Jocelyn, who was born in captivity. Despite the dire circumstances, Amanda tried to create a sense of normalcy by setting up a makeshift classroom for her child.
Gina often pretended to sleep to avoid interacting with Castro. She struggled with depression and lost the will to eat or leave her bed. The women were forced to witness each other's abuse, adding to their collective trauma.
The Escape
After more than a decade in captivity, a moment of opportunity arose. Castro left the house without securing Amanda's room. Despite her fear for her daughter's safety, Amanda bravely kicked through part of the front door. She managed to stretch her arm through the partially open storm door, catching the attention of neighbors.
In a desperate 911 call, Amanda identified herself, leading to an immediate police response. When law enforcement arrived at the grim house, they discovered not only Amanda but also Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight. This marked the end of their long ordeal and the beginning of their journey to recovery.
The Investigation
While the women were held captive, their families never gave up hope. Amanda's mother, Louwana, and sister, Beth, tirelessly searched for her. They contacted acquaintances, distributed flyers, and pursued every potential lead. They also sought media coverage to keep Amanda's disappearance in the public eye, especially during holidays like Mother's Day and Christmas.
Gina's parents, Nancy and Felix, were equally dedicated. They organized search parties, held candlelight vigils, and distributed missing person posters. Nancy persistently followed up on any leads that emerged.
Law enforcement agencies conducted thorough investigations, but crucial evidence and opportunities were missed. They often monitored the area near Castro's home, unaware of the crimes occurring inside. A potential cry for help was even dismissed as a joke, highlighting the difficulty in piecing together the puzzle of the women's disappearances.
The Aftermath
After their rescue, the survivors faced the challenge of reintegrating into society. They had to adapt to technological advancements and societal changes that occurred during their captivity. Amanda had to get used to a world where mobile phones had replaced payphones and could even provide navigation assistance. Gina focused on catching up on her education, learning to drive, and appreciating simple pleasures like new eyeglasses and quiet baths.
The community rallied around the women, providing support and resources to help them rebuild their lives. The Cleveland Courage Fund, which raised nearly $1.4 million from over ten thousand donors, provided crucial financial assistance. This fund helped Gina expand her home and add a privacy fence, while Amanda used some of the money to buy her sister a car.
The survivors were celebrated for their bravery and resilience. They received standing ovations at events and were recognized by the judiciary and court personnel for their collective courage.
The Road to Recovery
Overcoming trauma and establishing independence remains an ongoing process for the survivors. Amanda, now empowered with the freedom of choice, is working towards completing her high school education and considering a future in counseling. Gina has secured her first job as a restaurant hostess and is studying for her high school diploma.
Their stories of resilience continue to unfold as they embrace new opportunities, re-engage with their community, and rebuild their lives day by day. While the scars of their ordeal remain, these brave women are focused on creating a brighter future for themselves.