#amandaberry

[intriguingpeoplebyangelafloyd]

ARIEL CASTRO

ARIEL CASTRO

10 July 1960 - 3 September 2013

True Crime

            Ariel Castro kidnapped three young women, Michelle Knight, 21 (2002), Amanda Berry, 17, (2003) and Gina DeJesus, 14, (2004) and kept them inside his home in Cleveland, Ohio. He kidnapped them by luring them into his vehicle after offering them a lift and once inside his home he restrained them. He abused them and raped them; Berry gave birth to a daughter in 2006. Knight had a pet dog in captivity, which Castro killed after the dog tried to protect her.

            On 6 May 2013, Berry was able to escape with her daughter, aged 6. Castro left the house that day and forgot to lock one of the doors; Berry attempted to escape from one of the doors but had problems escaping from the second door. She screamed for help, neighbour Charles Ramsey approached the door and kicked out the door’s bottom panel. He called the police and when they arrived they went inside the house and found Knight and DeJesus, all three victims were taken to hospital.

            Castro was arrested at a McDonald’s parking lot not long after the women were rescued. Castro was charged on numerous charges. He pled guilty, was found guilty of his crimes, and got life inprison. In court Castro deflected the blame of his crimes on his victims and the police, he stated he was a ‘good person’ and made allegations he never harmed a woman in his life and that the sex he had with the victims was ‘consensual’. He also stated the girls weren’t virgins when he first had sex with them. He then blamed the FBI and police for failing to catch him and blamed his victims for getting inside his car. Castro, 53, took his own life inside his cell in Ohio in 2013, one month into his life sentence.

            Berry and DeJesus became close in the house, Knight was the outsider in the group. Knight said that she would like to reunite with Berry and DeJesus in the future but they all need to get their own lives back on track.

            Castro had a history of domestic violence with his ex-partner, he worked as a school bus driver until he was fired in 2012. His family members noticed how Castro had numerous rooms inside his home locked. Castro’s house was demolished in 2013. His daughter Emily attempted to take her baby’s life in 2007 and is now serving a prison sentence. Castro’s nephew Jeremi J. Alicea was arrested with child offences in 2014 and is also is spending time behind bars.

#arielcastro #michelleknight #amandaberry #ginadejesus

[powerixnews]

Escape to Freedom: The Ohio Kidnapping Survivor's Mission to Illuminate ... Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight are three American women who were kidnapped in Ohio between 2002 and 2004 and held captive by Ariel Castro. They managed to escape from Castro's house in 2013, leading to his arrest. This case shocked the nation and brought significant attention to the issues of kidnapping and human trafficking. Following their escape, the women have shared their stories to help raise awareness about these critical issues and to support others who have gone through similar experiences. Castro was sentenced to life in prison plus 1,000 years, but he took his own life in prison a few months after his sentencing. #AmandaBerry, #GinaDeJesus, #MichelleKnight, #ClevelandKidnapping, #SurvivorStrong, #NeverGiveUp, #ArielCastro  #Kidnapping, #MissingPersons, #BringThemHome, #EndHumanTrafficking, #FindOurChildren, #StopKidnapping, #ChildAbduction

[just-panda]

TRIGGER WARNING: rape, abuse, hostages

Recently, I read this amazing book called Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland. It’s about the Cleveland kidnappings that happened years ago. If you don’t know about the Cleveland kidnappings (I didn’t!) basically what happened was in 2002, a man named Ariel Castro abducted a woman named Michelle Knight and kept her chained up in his house. Less than a year later, Ariel Castro abducted Amanda Berry as she was walking home from work. In 2004, he abducted Gina DeJesus when she was walking home from school. He kept all three women locked in his house until they escaped in 2013. Hope was written by Amanda and Gina so it covers their experiences. Michelle wrote her own book which I am going to read soon.

So, at first, this book was absolutely horrifying! These women went through so many horrible things. I won’t go into details in case anyone decides to read it but they were literally chained up for years while Ariel would rape them multiple times a day. They were also forced to cook and clean for him. 

I’m trying not to give too many details away but eventually the women were able to escape. It was a miracle because Ariel really thought of everything. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be locked in someone’s house for up to 10 years or more and then get out and live a normal life. But these women did it. They made a promise to themselves to survive their experiences so they can get back to their families and tell their stories.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about these women and what they went through in that house. It inspires me for sure. I felt the need to share. We, as humans, have the ability to adapt to even the most horrible situations. Imagine being a prisoner in someone’s house for 10 years for virtually not reason! Like how?? They were mentally, physically, emotionally, sexually, and verbally abused. I remember in certain parts of the story, they had opportunities to escape or scream really loud so maybe someone could hear them but they were too scared of Ariel and what he would do.

The scariest thing about something like this is that people go through a version of this everyday. Maybe not this extreme, like with chains involved, but a lot of people have been in relationships where they’re basically prisoners. And what do you do? You adapt. You wait. And eventually, hopefully, you leave when the time is right.

However, some victims of domestic violence or kidnapping, do not make it out alive. Let us take a moment to share a moment of silence for those victims’ families.

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #73

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley

#2 Colorado Mountain

Romantic Suspense

Started a little rocky, forgive my pun, but the depth to the characters and their way of making each other stronger and happier won me over.

Beyond the Rules by Anna Del Mar

#3 At the Brink

MMMF Romantic Suspense

The polyamory romance was iffy, but the suspense and working relationships were stellar.

Waking the Dead by Stacey Rourke, Narrated by Brenda Scott Wlazlo

#1 Journals of Octavia Hollows

Urban Fantasy

A Necromancer with attitude about her past finds herself helping a family plighted with a deadly curse.  Good start to series!

The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas

#4 Lady Sherlock

Charlotte and the gang become art thieves in France to help a friend of Mrs. Hudson’s.  Good caper!

Whisper of Bones by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Christine Williams

#3 Widow’s Island

Romantic Suspense

Victim everyone disliked and a surprise revelation for the cold case of their friend had me eager to be with Tessa and Cate on the case once again.

Bred in the Bone by Kendra Elliot, narrated by Christine Williams

#4 Widow’s Island

Romantic Suspense

Shocking events and just the excitement I needed.

Death Beside the Seaside by TE Kinsey

#6 Lady Hardcastle Mystery

Historical Cozy Mystery

Emily and Flo are needed to investigate a spy caper murder on their holiday.  A little over the top from the usual, but still fun times.

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament by Don Jacobson, Narrated by Amanda Berry

#4 The Bennet Wardrobe

Time Travel Romance

Dug deep into the feels and faced a devilish enemy.  Enjoyed this one so much.

The Bodies in the Library by Marty Wingate, Narrated by Fiona Hardingham

#1 First Edition Library

Cozy Mystery

The set up was what drew me in, but the characters and story were meh for me.

Kord by Cara Bristol

#5 Dakonian Mail Order Brides

Sci-Fi Romance

Kord is a sweetie who has to work hard to convince his human mate they will work.  Barb has struggled with her childhood as the kid of two alcoholics and has to conquer it to have happiness.  Quick and engaging story.

Simply Magic by Mary Balogh

#3 Simply Quartet

Historical Romance

Mixed bag.  Loved the sweet beta hero making good, but got frustrated with the heroine who just could not get out of her own way.

When Jane Got Angry by Victoria Kincaid, Narrated by Stevie Zimmerman

Historical Romance

Fun variation on P&P with the focus on a fiercer Jane Bennet and Bingley.

Save Your Breath by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Cris Dukehart

#6 Morgan Dane

Romantic Suspense

Amazing suspense with Lincoln and Olivia at the center.  Thrilling ending with lots of good twists to get there.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

Lake Silence by Anne Bishop

#6 The Others #1 World of the Others

Urban Fantasy

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

The Sinner by Amanda Stevens

#5 The Graveyard Queen

Urban Fantasy

[craftygal65]

Cute! RepostBy @fluffandfuzz: "Handy little tortoise! 🐢 💘 #handmade #turtlepower #knitters #knittedtoys #knittedthings #amandaberry #knitting #pincushions #crafts #2018makes" (via #InstaRepost @AppsKottage)

[centerforknitandcrochet]

Download a free pattern for this rainbow by knitted-toy-designer Amanda Berry @fluffandfuzz, www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-35.  

You decide whether it's puffy or flat, a pin or a pendant. Wear it with pride or hang it from your rearview mirror. So many good combinations!

Photo is by Amanda Berry and is used with permission.

[mammypi]

Amanda Berry #amandaberry turns up on looking heavenly for the #baftas #bafta2017 #baftaawards #fashion #fashionblogger #fashionblog #styles #redcarpet #trends #celebrities #trends

[alaturkanews]

Ariel Castro kidnaps 3 teen girls in Cleveland, holds them captive for years | Nightline Castro, a school bus driver, lured Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus into his home where he chained them, raped them and did not provide sufficient food or opportunity to shower. WATCH NIGHTLINE EPISODES: ALSO AVAILABLE ON HULU: #Nightline #ArielCastro #GinaDeJesus #MichelleKnight #AmandaBerry #Missing #Abducted

[intriguingpeoplebyangelafloyd]

CHARLES RAMSEY

Charles Ramsey was the neighbour of Ariel Castro, who helped Amanda Berry and her daughter, 6, escape Castro’s home. He had kidnapped three young women and kept them inside his home. When he left his home one morning, he forgot to lock one of the doors, which helped Berry partially escape. She screamed for help, neighbour Ramsey approached the door and kicked the door until she and her daughter get out. He called the police and when they turned up, Berry told them that there were two more girls inside the home.

The three girls were now free and Castro was imprisoned and died in 2013.

- Read more on Tumblr, Intriguing People by Angela Floyd

#charlesramsey#michelleknight#amandaberry#ginadejesus

[stacyamiller85]

On 1/3/20 @ABC2020 Airs Trapped on The Cleveland Kidnappings of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus & Michelle Knight via @stacyamiller85 @ABCNetwork #AmandaBerry #GinaDeJesus #MichelleKnight #ABC2020 #Trapped The article I wrote for The Nerdy Girl Express.

[kidsviral-blog]

Cleveland police hail Amanda Berry as ‘the real hero,’ say child found with missing women is her daughter

New Post has been published on https://kidsviral.info/cleveland-police-hail-amanda-berry-as-the-real-hero-say-child-found-with-missing-women-is-her-daughter/

Cleveland police hail Amanda Berry as ‘the real hero,’ say child found with missing women is her daughter

http://twitter.com/#!/CLEPolice/status/331762802924593152

Three women who vanished more than a decade ago were freed on Monday. At a press conference Tuesday morning, Cleveland deputy police chief Ed Tomba credited one of them, Amanda Berry, as a “real hero.” Berry escaped the home where she had been held since age 16 with Michele Knight and Gina DeJesus and contacted 911 with the help of “dead giveaway guy” Charles Ramsey.

#breaking #Cleveland Police Chief: “The real hero here is Amanda.She is the real hero.” #survivors

— David Muir (@DavidMuir) May 7, 2013

#amandaberry Chief McGrath hails brave actionsFBI -The nightmare is over””Ultimate definition of survival and perseverance”

— martha maccallum (@marthamaccallum) May 7, 2013

FBI on kidnapped girls discovery: “yes, law enforcement professionals do cry.” Promises FBI assistance.

— Molly Bloom (@M_Bloom) May 7, 2013

Police: “Amanda’s the one … when she came out of that house, that started it all.”

— Bill Hemmer (@BillHemmer) May 7, 2013

CPD: Michele and Gina came out of the house after Amanda broke out. Police did not have to go in the house, which is a crime scene

— Betsy Kling – WKYC (@BetsyKling) May 7, 2013

CPD: Amanda Berry broke out the lower part of the door, was a screen door

— Betsy Kling – WKYC (@BetsyKling) May 7, 2013

Police plan to charge three men, Ariel Castro, Pedro Castro and Oneil Castro, in connection with the kidnapping.

Amanda pointed police to the three brothers. Police are relying on the women to provide details but giving them time and space.

— Rachel Dissell (@RachelDissell) May 7, 2013

Police believe that the 6-year-old child found with the women, born while they were missing, is Berry’s daughter.

Tomba confirmed the child in the home belonged to Amanda Berry but didn’t know yet who the father was. They will question Amanda further

— Rachel Dissell (@RachelDissell) May 7, 2013

The circumstances of her birth have not been revealed to the public.

Cleveland police confirm that 6-year-old girl is Amanda Berry’s daughter. Unclear who the father is.

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) May 7, 2013

Police say the emotional well-being of the rescued women will be paramount as the investigation proceeds.

CPD McGrath: Most important are the victims. Sensitivity to them, their well being. Be patient with us as we proceed over days,weeks, month

— Betsy Kling – WKYC (@BetsyKling) May 7, 2013

Related:

Great news: All three women rescued from Cleveland home released from hospital

Viral: Meet Cleveland man Charles Ramsey, who reportedly freed missing girls and woman

Cleveland 911 dispatcher under fire for handling of Amanda Berry call

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/05/07/cleveland-police-hail-amanda-berry-as-the-real-hero-say-child-found-with-missing-women-is-her-daughter/

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #34

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

Camouflage by Ivy Keating and Scott Spotson

Sci-Fi

This was a unique modern story that asks what if something prehistoric survived into our day and age.  I enjoyed the characters and the story.

The Myrellenos by Michelle Franklin

#4 Marridon Novella

Fantasy

Easy paced day in the life of the Myrellenos’ crew.

Yuletide: A Jane Austen-inspired Collection by Christina Boyd, Caitlin Williams, Joana Starnes, Lona Manning, J.Marie Croft, Anngela Schroeder, Elizabeth Adams, and Amy D’Orazio

Historical Romance, Austenesque, Holidays

Seven short Pride and Prejudice stories focused around the holidays that give variations, sequels, and modern takes.  It was sheer delight.

Close to the Bone and A Bone to Pick by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, narrated by Christine Williams

#1-2 Widow’s Island

Romantic Suspense

These novellas are part of an ongoing series about two friends who are back on the island and now concerned about the cold case of their missing high school friend even while solving a few current day crimes.  Great stuff!

Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, Narrated by Davina Porter

#4 Outlander

Historical Fiction

So much happens now that Jamie and Claire are in Colonial America.  Some tough things happen as they settle in their home and the tragedies that befall those around them.

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

#3 Tales From Ivy Hill

Historical Romance, Inspirational

The conclusion to Mercy, Jane, and Rachel’s stories.  Loved seeing Mercy come into her own and Jane fight through her fears.

Here Comes the Witch by Ani Gonzalez

#1 Main Street Witches

Paranormal Romance, Cozy Mystery

Cute, quick, and ever so fun spin-off of the Banshee Creek series.

The Exile: The Countess Visits Longbourn by Don Jacobson, Narrated by Amanda Berry

#3 The Bennet Wardrobe

Time Travel, Austenesque

The waning years of Kitty’s life leave her with some unfinished tasks related to the Bennet Wardrobe, but she spends some time getting her sister Lydia and Wickham on track with a whimsical and lavish 12th Night Ball.

Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson

YA Contemporary Romance

Gently-paced, thoughtful, and excellent debut effort.  Girl with agoraphobia and boy who lives on the streets find strength in their friendship and love.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Calendar by Jane Odiwe

Time Travel Romance, Holidays, Austenesque

Caught in Time by Julie McElwain, Narrated by Lucy Rayner

#3 Kendra Donovan

Time Travel Suspense

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas

#3 Lady Sherlock

Historical Suspense

[kidsviral-blog]

Cleveland 911 dispatcher under fire for handling of Amanda Berry call

New Post has been published on https://kidsviral.info/cleveland-911-dispatcher-under-fire-for-handling-of-amanda-berry-call/

Cleveland 911 dispatcher under fire for handling of Amanda Berry call

http://twitter.com/#!/HeatherALight/status/331590106156761088

Amanda Berry tells 911 dispatcher “I’ve been kidnapped. I’ve been missing for 10 years. I’m here. I’m free now.”

— Kimberly H. Wiggins (@NewsLadyKim) May 7, 2013

Twitchy has already introduced you to Cleveland’s newest hero, Charles Ramsey, also known as “Dead Giveaway Guy,” who reportedly rescued three women from captivity. Police have released the desperate 911 call made by Amanda Berry, who had been missing for 10 years, and the dispatcher who took Berry’s call isn’t getting the rave reviews that Ramsey is enjoying.

Amanda Berry missing for 10 years calls 911 for help.cleveland.com/metro/index.ss… That dispatcher should be fired! #talktothemwhentheygetthere

— Yaucolion (@Yaucolion71) May 7, 2013

I hope this 911 dispatcher loses his(? her?) job for the way this call was handled. Disgusting! Listen to the end: cleveland.com/metro/index.ss…

— TeeTee(@TeeteeintheCity) May 7, 2013

This gives me the chills! This 911 Dispatcher needs additional training! #Cleveland #AmandaBerry cleveland.com/metro/index.ss…

— Brian Ventura (@bvent) May 7, 2013

Wow. It may just be me, but that 911 dispatcher I think is going to get some flak for how she handled this call. ora.tv/newsbreaker/-1…

— Andrew Asmus (@aasmus) May 7, 2013

Amanda Berry’s 911 call. Is it just me or does the dispatcher have all the empathy of a brick? cleveland.com/metro/index.ss…

— Misty Harris (@popcultini) May 7, 2013

911 call: Help me, I’m Amanda Berry on.wkyc.com/11dpkqh the more I listen, the more upset I get with the ineptness of the dispatcher.

— Joecephus (@_joecephus) May 7, 2013

And who has started the countdown clock on that Cleveland 911 dispatcher putting put on administrative leave?

— Jennifer Mendelsohn (@CleverTitleTK) May 7, 2013

Editor’s note: This post has been amended to reflect that the people rescued in Cleveland are now adult women.

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/05/06/cleveland-911-dispatcher-under-fire-for-handling-of-amanda-berry-call/