On May 6, three women escaped a Cleveland home where it was discovered they suffered systematic sexual and emotional abuse for a decade or more. Ariel Castro, a former school bus driver, kidnapped the women between 2002 and 2004. A young girl, conceived as a result of rape, was also freed.
The event attracted international attention, not just because of the horrific conditions the women endured – they were often chained to a basement pole and forced to wear motorcycle helmets – but also because they were thought to be dead despite being within blocks of friends and family. To prevent visitors from discovering his secret, Mr. Castro fortified his home with locks, chains, and a homemade alarm system.
Castro avoided a trial by pleading guilty to 937 criminal counts of kidnapping, rape, and assault, among other charges. He was found hanged in his prison cell in September, his death ruled a suicide. One victim, Michelle Knight, told Castro at sentencing that she forgave him, but "can't ever forget."
– Mark Guarino, Staff writer
