Prosecutors are trying to decide whether to seek the death penalty for Ariel Castro, the Cleveland man who faces 329 separate counts in the kidnapping of three Ohio women.
The women — Amanda Berry, Georgina “Gina” DeJesus and Michelle Knight — were freed last month, after nearly a decade in captivity. Mr. Castro, 52, was indicted in their kidnappings on Friday and faces arraignment this week, CNN reported.
He’s charged with 139 counts of rape, 177 counts of kidnapping, seven counts of gross sexual imposition, three of felonious assault and one of possession of criminal tools, Cuyahoga County prosecutor Timothy McGinty said in a statement reported by CNN.
One count of murder is due to Mr. Castro’s alleged role in unlawfully terminating a pregnancy of one of his captors, CNN reported.
The capital review committee for the prosecution will decide soon whether or not to pursue the death penalty.
“[The] indictments represent a first major step in the criminal justice process,” Mr. McGinty said. “Our investigation continues, and we will present our findings to the grand jury.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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