Ariel Castro, accused kidnapper of three Cleveland women, whom he held captive for about 10 years, has been sentenced to life without parole, plus 1,000 years to protect the public — this is his punishment.
“You don’t deserve to be out in our community,” “You’re too dangerous”, “There is no place in this city, there is no place in this country, there is no place in this world for those who enslave others,” say Judge Michael Russo.
Castro plead guilty to all charges, sparing the victims, Michelle Knight, Gina DeJesus, and Amanda Berry of having to testify – recalling their 10+ years in horror. Judge Michael Russo finds that Ariel Castro fits the definition of a “violent sexual predator.” Castro tried to argue with the terminology, but Russo tells Castro he has already admitted to being one by “virtue of your plea.” Russo also complimented kidnap victim Michelle Knight for showing “remarkable restraint” during Castro’s statement during his sentencing hearing. She plainly told Castro “you took 11 years of my life away, I spent 11 years in hell and now your hell is just beginning.”
The court in Cuyahoga County is seizing the property of Ariel Castro and imposing a fine of $100,000 on him, in addition to his massive sentence.
