24/7 LiveHoustonSouthwestSoutheastNorthwestNortheast

PHOTOS: Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus describe ten years in captivity

Monday, April 27, 2015
Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus describe the filthy, horrific conditions in which they, Berry's daughter and Michelle Knight lived during their decade held captive by Ariel Castro.
Berry and DeJesus wrote a book abot their journey, out April 27.
In the first days of her captivity, Berry said, Castro placed a helmet over her head and bound her wrists and ankles.
Castro abducted Knight first. When he brought Berry to his home, he showed her Knight through a peep-hole.
DeJesus, then a 14-year-old family friend, said Castro lured her inside his home, then took her to the basement, chained her up and left her there.
The women were first kept in separate rooms. Later DeJesus and Knight were put in the same room.
The FBI told ABC News that the windows were covered up with doors so no light could get in or out.
Berry gave birth to Castro's daughter more than three years into her captivity. The daughter, Jocelyn, was kept inside with the women until she was three.
Berry recalled that, when her daughter was about three years old, Castro took her chains off.
Jocelyn was eventually allowed to play in the yard and go to church, something the others weren't allowed to do. They set up a make-shift school for her.
The women escaped on May 6, 2013, the first time Berry noticed that her bedroom door was unlocked and Castro wasn't home.
Days after Castro committed suicide in his prison cell, the house where the women were held was demolished.
Berry and DeJesus look over old writings and notes they would write to fill time. They used any scraps of paper they could find, they said.
Berry and DeJesus look over old writings and notes they would write to fill time. They used any scraps of paper they could find, they said.
Berry and DeJesus look over old writings and notes they would write to fill time. They used any scraps of paper they could find, they said.
In one note, Berry wrote that should could 'never imagine' what it would be like for your child to be abducted. Berry's mother died of a heart attack while she was captive.
Another of Berry's notes was a thank you letter for the future. She wrote that someone meaning the note would mean that she was home.
Amanda Berry is pictured after police rescued her, left, and today.
Gina DeJesus is pictured after police rescued her, left, and today.
1 of 20
Photo/ABC News
Report a correction or typo
Watch Live
ON NOW

Top Stories

Few more showers and storms possible Memorial Day weekend

2 injured, suspect in custody after shooting in Kings Colony: MCSO

Body discovered in Galveston's East End, Coast Guard says

Shooter at large after killing 1 man, injuring another: HPD

Inmate dies in Harris County Jail due to medical emergency: HCSO

This Week in Texas: Impact of Trump endorsement, local budget woes

Suspect dead, bystander wounded after gunfire near White House

Track power outages in your area with the ABC13 Power Outage Tracker

ABC13 Houston
Topics
WeatherTrafficWatchPhotosApps
Regions
HoustonSouthwestSoutheastNorthwestNortheast
Categories
LocalishAction 13Texas True Crime13 Unsolved13 InvestigatesSportsRenters' Rights
Company
About ABC13 HoustonContact UsABC13 News TeamEmploymentEnter to WinSubmit A News TipAccessibilityABC13 Merchandise
Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Choices
Children's Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Terms of Use
Interest-Based Ads
Public Inspection File
FCC Applications
Copyright © 2026 ABC, Inc., KTRK-TV Houston. All Rights Reserved.