The three women held captive in a Cleveland house for a decade before
being discovered and released earlier this year spoke publicly for the
first time in brief video statements released Monday night.
In the video, the women — Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight — thank the people who have provided support since their escape in May, including those who have donated to a fund that has raised more than $1 million.
Ms. Knight, who was kidnapped in August 2002 at age 21, said the “love,
support and donations” of well-wishers had helped her “build a brand new
life.” She said she refused to be consumed by hatred.
“I may have been through hell and back, but I am strong enough to walk
through hell with a smile on my face and with my head held high,” she
said, looking directly into the camera. “I will not let the situation
define who I am. I will define the situation.”
Ms. DeJesus, who appeared with her parents, Felix DeJesus and Nancy
Ruiz, thanked people for their kindness since her release. She was
abducted in April 2004 at age 14 as she walked home from middle school.
And Ms. Berry, who had a child while in captivity, said her ability to
remain out of the public spotlight had aided in her continuing recovery.
“I’m getting stronger each day, and having my privacy has helped
immensely,” she said. “I want everyone to know how happy I am to be home
with my family and my friends.” Ms. Berry was kidnapped in April 2003
at age 16 while coming home from her job at a Burger King.
The women were freed in May after a neighbor heard cries for help from
the home of Ariel Castro, who lived in a residential neighborhood in
west Cleveland.
Mr. Castro, 52, a former school bus driver, has been indicted on more than 300 charges,
including kidnapping, rape and aggravated murder for forcibly causing
one of the women to abort a fetus after he had impregnated her.
Last week, an Ohio judge ruled that Mr. Castro was competent to stand trial. Jury selection in the case could begin as early as next month.
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