"3 ex-captives ask for privacy in 1st statements; Say they will not speak before trial" by John Coyne | Associated Press, May 13, 2013
CLEVELAND — The three women allegedly imprisoned and sexually abused for years inside a padlocked Cleveland house asked for privacy Sunday, saying through an attorney that although they are grateful for overwhelming support, they also need time to heal.
Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight remain in seclusion, releasing their first statements since they were found May 6 when Berry escaped and told a 911 dispatcher, ‘‘I’m free now.’’
They thanked law enforcement and said they were grateful for the support of family and the community....
The attorney said none of the women will do media interviews until the criminal case against Castro is over.
He asked that they be given privacy.
‘‘Give them the time, the space, and the privacy so that they can continue to get stronger,’’ attorney Jim Wooley said.
Donations are going into funds set up for the women.
City Councilman Brian Cummins said $50,000 has been raised to create a trust fund for each of them in a bid to make them financially independent.
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Also see: Cleveland Crackdown
NEXT DAY UPDATE: Kidnap suspect had faced complaints
Police said at first they didn't know a thing about it, basically said neighbors were nuts, blah, blah, blah.
