Amanda Berry Returns Home To Family

Cleveland kidnap victim Amanda Berry arrived home to her family on Wednesday after a decade being held captive in a house where police say chains and ropes were used to keep her prisoner.

Berry, along with Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, were held captive at a home in Cleveland for almost 10 years. Berry and her six-year-old daughter, who was conceived and born in captivity, were seen from an aerial television camera arriving at her sister’s house.

DeJesus also went home on Wednesday and was immediately embraced by her sister Mayra. The 23-year-old’s aunt, Sandra Ruiz, stated outside the family’s home:

“There are not enough words to say or express the joy that we feel for the return of our family member Gina, and now Amanda Berry, her daughter and Michelle Knight who is our family also.”

Ruiz also asked for privacy for Gina DeJesus and her family, who saw her for the first time in nine years on Monday. However, Ruiz promised, “When we’re ready, I promise every single one of you guys that we’ll talk to you.”

Before an emergency call to 911 on Monday evening, Amanda Berry was last spotted leaving her job at a fast-food restaurant the day before her 17th birthday in April 2003. Her disappearance was widely publicized in the local media.

Berry returned to her sister’s home on Wednesday and was greeted with colorful balloons, yellow ribbons, and a huge sign reading, “Welcome Home Amanda.” Her sister, Beth Serrano, appeared on the lawn later, saying:

“At this time, our family would request privacy so my sister and niece and I can have time to recover. We appreciate all you have done for us for the past ten years. Please respect our privacy until we are ready to make our statement. And thank you.”

Amanda Berry was hailed as the woman who broke through the screen door where the three women were being held captive. They did so with the help of neighbor Charles Ramsey. Berry then used Ramsey’s phone to call for help.

Three brothers, Ariel, Pedro, and Onil Castro, were arrested in the case. They are expected to be charged by Wednesday evening.