Cleveland native Ariel Castro has been charged with the kidnapping and captivity of the three women who were found alive in his home this week. The three girls had been abducted for almost ten years. Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight, and Gina DeJesus, along with Berry's daughter are now safe, with family, and out of harm’s way.
According to CNN, the women were held in separate rooms and left the Cleveland home only twice in the past 10 years.
CNN said, Monday was their first and successful chance at being freed, when Amanda Berry took action. She reportedly yelled for help at neighbor Charles Ramsey who was walking by the Cleveland home. Together, they broke down the house door, and he helped her escape.
According to the Guardian, law enforcement officials have arrested and charged 52-year-old Ariel Castro on three counts of rape and four counts of kidnapping. His brothers were held in custody along with him but were not charged. As far as the evidence found, his two brothers, Onil and Pedro Castro, had no knowledge or involvement with the girls' captivity nor did they harm the girls in any way.
The Guardian reported that city officials also found ropes and chains inside Castro’s home, which they have gathered as evidence in the case. Investigators wouldn't discuss reports whether the women had been bound to the chains or harmed with the items during their captivity.
The Guardian reported that Castro's former wife had cited him in previous years for domestic abuse. He was accused of beating her so badly that it triggered a blood clot in her brain. He was also fired from his job in November after a series of behavioral incidents.
CNN, reports that Castro has been scheduled for an arraignment Thursday morning. Michelle Knight, now 32, remains in a Cleveland hospital in good condition. Amanda Berry, 27, and her daughter 6, who she gave birth to in captivity, went back to their home along with Gina DeJesus, 23, on Wednesday.
More updates are to follow as the investigation is still undergoing.