Ariel Castro, the suspect in the horrific kidnapping of three women, entered a not guilty plea during a short hearing in Cleveland today.
Castro was arrested after the women - Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight - escaped on May 6 after being held by Castro for nearly a decade, according to Cuyahoga County prosecutors. He has been charged with 326 criminal counts, including rape and kidnapping.
NBC News reports that among the 329 charges is aggravated murder. Prosecutors say that Castro illegally terminated a pregnancy. Knight told investigators that Castro impregnated her and then forced a miscarriage by beating her while she was pregnant.
According to Reuters, prosecutors say that the charges also only cover from August 2002 to 2007. As the investigation continues, more charges could be added.
The indictment shows in detail how Castro treated the women for nearly a decade, beating and repeatedly assaulting them and confining them to his basement.
Prosecutor Timothy McGinty said that he is considering the death penalty. Castro is being held on $8 million bond.
A spokeswoman representing the three women issued a short statement that read “Days like today are not easy. We are hopeful for just and prompt resolution.”