Cleveland Case: Ariel Castro Charged With Rape And Kidnap

His brothers Pedro and Onil will not be charged

A suspect has been charged with the kidnapping and rape of three women held captive for almost a decade in the US state of Ohio.

Ariel Castro was arrested after victim Amanda Berry was helped to escape by a neighbour. Two other women, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, were also rescued by police, as well as a young girl who was later found to be Berry's daughter, born and raised in captivity.

Castro was also charged for a fourth count of kidnapping relating to Jocelyn Berry.

Castro owned the Cleveland house from where the women were rescued. His brothers Pedro and Onil were also arrested but police have confirmed they will not be charged.

The rescue has gripped the city of Cleveland, where the women were widely believed to be dead. Police have come under fire for allegedly not responding to calls which raised suspicion about the house on Seymour Avenue, near the city centre. They deny such claims were made by members of the public.

Speaking to a news briefing, police told journalists they had taken more than 200 pieces of evidence from Castro's home. Interviews with the women had also provided enough information for them to charge Castro.

He is believed to be co-operating with police, waiving his right to silence and agreeing for a paternity test to show he is Jocelyn's father.

Castro's son Anthony spoke to the Daily Mail, saying his father wouldn't allow him to go into certain areas of the house. 'The house was always locked,' he said. 'There were places we could never go. There were locks on the basement. Locks on the attic. Locks on the garage.'

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