Live streaming below, Ariel Castro’s sentencing hearing is to take place at 9am ET during which time the Cleveland kidnapper and rapist is expected to speak. Initially pleading not guilty to 977 charges–including 12 counts of kidnapping, 446 counts of rape, seven counts of gross sexual imposition, six counts of felonious assault, three counts of child endangerment, and one count of possessing criminal tools–Castro last week accepted a plea bargain changing his plea to guilty of a reduced 937 charges, resulting in life in prison without the chance for parole.
The assailant is also now is void of a re-indictment that could result in capital punishment that would put Castro to death. Further, he as agreed to work with the FBI to tell them all of the necessary information required of the case and subsequent evidence. As part of the bargain, Castro has given up his home which will subsequently be demolished.
Watch the Ariel Castro sentencing hearing, where he’s expected to give a statement at 9am ET, below:
It’s unclear at this point as to whether the three victims–Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight–will be present at the sentencing.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the hearing will be Castro speaking. The convict is expected to address the court which according to WKYC “His sister says it will be a lengthy statement that will show another side of him.”
On May 6, Amanda Berry was able to get the attention of neighbor Charles Ramsey who pried open Castro’s door in order to free her and her child from captivity. Berry, DeJesus, and Knight had all been pronounced missing since 2003, 2004, and 2002 respectively and it came as a shock to authorities and Ramsey once they were all identified.
At the time of their kidnapping Berry was just 16, DeJesus 14, and Knight 21. All three were subjected to rape and forced abortions at the hands of Castro throughout their time being imprisoned in his home, though he fathered a child with Berry in 2006 which has been confirmed through DNA testing. Like her mother, the child is happy and healthy.
Related- Watch Ariel Castro’s plea bargain last week:
