Who Is Amanda Berry? Former Ariel Castro Victim Starts New Life As TV Reporter

Amanda Berry, one of the three victims of the Ariel Castro kidnappings, has joined a local news channel to report on missing people. Berry was abducted from Cleveland, and was held captive by Castro for 10 years before she managed to escape in 2013.

The 30-year-old appeared Monday on Fox 8 News in a 30-second segment focusing on missing person cases in northeast Ohio. Her job involves informing viewers how they can support the rescue efforts and the families of those who have gone missing.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Fox 8 News team for this important segment. When I was missing, the people who were looking for me never gave up. My wish is that this segment will not only help find those who are missing but offer hope for the loved ones who are looking for them,” Berry said on Fox 8 News’ website.

Andy Fishman, the station’s news director, told Cleveland.com that Berry was the logical choice for its “Missing” segment.

“We sat around for about an hour and instantly knew this was going to work,” Fishman told the local news website. “We hit it off right away. She is so passionate and well-spoken, and this obviously is something that means a great deal to her.”

Berry was abducted April 21, 2003 — one day before she turned 17 — by Castro and was held captive for a decade at his Seymour Avenue home in Cleveland. Castro also kidnapped Michelle Knight in 2002 and Gina DeJesus in 2004, who were also held captive at his home. They escaped May 6, 2013, after neighbors helped Berry break out of the barricaded house and alert the police. All three women accused Castro of rape and abuse.

Castro pleaded guilty to over 900 criminal counts including kidnapping, rape and aggravated murder. He was handed sentenced to prison for life, plus 1,000 years in jail without the chance of parole. The 53-year-old Castro committed suicide in his prison cell by hanging himself in September 2013.