In what might be one of the craziest stories of 2013, three Cleveland women have been rescued after being kidnapped by Ariel Castro, where they were beaten, sexually abused, and forced to live in fear for more than a decade.
Amanda Berry, Gina Dejesus and Michelle Knight were all kidnapped on the same street, however, in 2003, 2004, and 2002, respectively. On Monday, Berry attempted to make an escape with her 6-year-old daughter through the front door of her prison. That’s when bystander-turned-hero Charles Ramsey heard her cries, called the police, and helped her through the screen door.
While Ramsey has subsequently shot to internet stardom due to his charismatic personality, punchlines and, of course, heroism, the facts trickling down from the investigation are proving to be much more gripping…and gruesome.
Here are the latest updates in the bizarre case.
1. Gina DeJesus Cannot Move Her Head From Years Of Being Chained To Michelle Knight, Medics Say
Medics are saying that the chains used to hold Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight have caused extensive joint damage, so much so that DeJesus is unable to lift her head. The women were also extremely malnourished. The conditions were so horrific, sources close to the case are comparing them to a prisoner of war camp.
The women will require long-term therapy for injuries such as hearing loss and joint and muscle damage, two sources with direct knowledge said.
The basement where the women were held had chains coming from the wall, and dog leashes attached to the ceiling, the sources said. The women were restrained with them and duct tape in ‘stress positions’ for long periods that left them with bed sores and other injuries, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the investigation.
It is also being reported that Ariel Castro would duct tape the women on all parts of their faces, even their eyes, and only left an opening so they could breathe.
2. Utility Workers Came to Ariel Castro’s House 160 Times While Girls Were Being Held Captive
It is being reported that local police and sheriff officials visited Ariel Castro’s home at least five times in the 10 years that Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight were being held captive. But more surprisingly, utility workers visited the home an estimated 160 times during the decade, but somehow missed the signs of trouble.
While many utility workers remain outdoors when they visit a home, as they normally just check the meter, some service workers would have likely had to go inside the home in order to install an indoor meter.
This story is developing.
