MONSTER

Ariel Castro Pleads Not Guilty

To rape, kidnapping, and murder charges.

Ariel Castro pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 329 charges including rape, kidnapping, and aggravated murder for the deaths of two unborn children one of the women miscarried after forced starvation and beatings. Castro has been accused of kidnapping three women as teenagers and holding each captive—and fathering a child with one of them—for over a decade before their dramatic rescue last month. Since last week's indictment, more details have emerged about the horrific nature of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight's imprisonment, including restraint in chains and assault for attempted escapes. The former bus driver is being held in lieu of $8 million bail, and prosecutors say they may seek the death penalty.