Ariel Castro, the man charged with kidnapping and holding three women captive for about a decade is competent to stand trial, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Cuyahoga County Judge Michael Russo revealed the results following a psychological evaluation that deemed Ariel Castro mentally able to understand the charges and assist attorneys in his defense. On Wednesday, prosecutor Tim McGinty announced that on July 11, a meeting will take place to discuss the possibility of seeking the death penalty for the 52-year-old. Castro has pleaded not guilty to a 329 count indictment that includes multiple kidnapping and rape charges. He has also been charged with aggravated murder following allegations that Castro caused the deliberate termination of one of the women's pregnancies.
Castro's attorney, Craig Weintraub, was told to submit evidence to prosecutors before the scheduled July 11th meeting to support an argument against the death penalty, Castro's defense have hinted that he may plead guilty if talk of capital punishment was taken off the table.
At the end of the competence hearing, Castro asked the judge for permission to visit the innocent 6-year-old girl he fathered with one of the women he is accused of kidnapping and raping. The judge denied the request. "I just think that would be inappropriate," Russo said.
He fathered the 6-year old child with one women, however he is accused of starving and punching a second to cause her to miscarry. Castro was arrested on May 6 after one of the three victims, broke through the front door of the Cleveland home and yelled to neighbors for help.
The trial is scheduled for Aug. 5, but Russo said it could be delayed. Another hearing is set for July 24.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.