Three young women saved from the perils of captivity after nearly a decade have appeared on video for the first time to send thanks to their supporters. Cleveland kidnapping survivors Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight are each seen reading prepared statements on camera, giving gratitude to those who have donated towards a fund for them and asking for privacy as they continue to heal.
The women were rescued by police after Amanda Berry flagged down a neighbor on May 6, 2013. They told police they had each been abducted by Ariel Castro, 52, years earlier and were held in his Cleveland home since. At the time of Berry’s and DeJesus’ disappearances, huge manhunts ensued, but no trace of the girls – then teenagers – was ever found. While in captivity, Berry gave birth to Castro’s daughter, who is now 6-years-old.
Castro was charged with rape, murder and kidnapping. He was recently deemed fit to stand trial by a judge. [embedgallery id=146543]
In a video was shot July 2, 2013 at the law offices of Jones Day in Cleveland, Ohio, Berry, DeJesus and Knight thank the people of Cleveland and across the world who have offered their support to them. They say they are extremely grateful for the amount of support they have been receiving and wanted to create this video to share their sincerity and emotion with everyone who has supported them.
Video Information:
:00 – :33 Amanda Berry (Survivor)
:43 – :47 Gina DeJesus (Survivor)
:49 -1:08Felix DeJesus (Gina’s Father)
1:09–1:43Nancy Ruiz (Gina’s Mother)
1:48–3:30Michelle Knight (Survivor)
