Convicted Kidnapper and Rapist Ariel Castro Found Dead

Cleveland-based kidnapper and rapist Ariel Castro has been found dead from hanging in his cell at the Correction Reception Center in Orient, OH.

Castro had been sentenced to life plus 1,000 years for kidnapping and sexually assaulting Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus while holding them captive for over a decade.

The Ohio Department of Corrections released the statement below:

Inmate Ariel Castro was found hanging in his cell this evening at 9:20 pm at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient. He was housed in protective custody which means he was in a cell by himself and rounds are required every 30 minutes at staggered intervals.  Upon finding inmate Castro, prison medical staff began performing life saving measures. Shortly after he was transported to OSUMC where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 pm.  A thorough review of this incident is underway and more information can be provided as it becomes available pending the status of the investigation.