Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight
Statement released by the survivors:
“Amanda, Gina, and Michelle are relieved by today’s plea. They are satisfied by this resolution to the case, and are looking forward to having these legal proceedings draw to a final close in the near future. They continue to desire their privacy. They do not wish to speak to the media or anyone else, and they thank people for continuing to respect their privacy as they grow stronger. They are immensely grateful for the support they have received from family, friends, and the donations to the Cleveland Courage Fund.”
Personally, I think this is a good thing. Most of all for the survivors. Now, they can move past this and go forward. It will always be with them, but I am sure that each day they grow stronger. I admire them for their strength through all of this. Now they will not have to testify to all that happened, and this is good for them. Testifying meant reliving it, the whole awful experience for each of them. I hope that the media and their community will allow them the privacy they need.
News Archive: Seymour Avenue Horror
Ariel Castro to appear in court Friday morning, apparently to discuss ongoing plea negotiations
Ariel Castro pleads guilty agrees to life in prison plus 1,000 years
Survivors issue statement on Ariel Castro plea
Ariel Castro Accepts Plea of ‘Not Less Than a Thousand Years’
Ariel Castro agrees to plea deal: Life in prison, no parole, plus 1,000 years (video, slideshow)
Ariel Castro Agrees To Plea In Ohio Kidnap Case
Ariel Castro Update: Castro accepts plea deal to avoid death penalty, prosecutors recommend sentence of life without parole
Ariel Castro accepts plea deal in Ohio kidnapping case, avoids death penalty
Ariel Castro agrees to plea deal to avoid death penalty
Ariel Castro in court
