Cleveland kidnapping victims Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight released separate statements through a spokesperson over the weekend thanking well wishers for their support.
"Thank you so much for everything you're doing and continue to do. I am so happy to be home with my family,” Berry said.
"I'm so happy to be home. I want to thank everyone for all your prayers. I just want time now to be with my family,” said DeJesus.
"Thank you to everyone for your support and good wishes. I am healthy, happy and safe, and will reach out to family, friends and supporters in good time,” Knight added.
The trio’s spokesperson indicated that no additional statements will be released due to the “pending criminal investigation and prosecution" of suspect Ariel Castro. "Miss Berry, Miss DeJesus and Miss Knight are victim witnesses in that proceeding, and it is not in the best interest of anyone connected with that proceeding for Miss Berry, Miss DeJesus and Miss Knight to be making statements to the media while that proceeding is pending,” the spokesperson said. "Most importantly, Miss Berry, Miss DeJesus and Miss Knight have asked – in fact have pleaded – for privacy at this time so they can continue to heal and reconnect with their families and their lives."
The women escaped Castro’s home on Monday, May 6 after about a decade of captivity. While Castro was out, Berry got to a door that would only opened wide enough to fit a hand through and began screaming to get the attention of neighbors. Charles Ramsey heard her screams and kicked the door in to free her. Berry escaped with her 6-year-old daughter and called 911 immediately. Castro is the father of Berry’s daughter.
Castro was arrested immediately and has been charged with four counts of kidnapping and three counts of rape.
Berry disappeared in April 2003 just one day before her 17th birthday. Knight vanished the year before at age 20 and DeJesus disappeared at age 14 in 2004.
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