Gina DeJesus Appearance at Puerto Rican Day Parade [PHOTOS] After Ariel Castro Sentencing
Gina DeJesus made an appearance at the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday in Cleveland three days after a judge sentenced Ariel Castro to life in prison for kidnapping and holding against their will her and two other women for over a decade.
DeJesus, 23, surprised many attending the Puerto Rican Parade and Latino Festival when she was seen riding with her family as part of the Janet Garcia for City Council group, according to Fox News. She sat on top of the vehicle and waved at onlookers along the route.
Many people standing along the parade route told the news outlet it was amazing to see DeJesus at the event, smiling and laughing. Many also called her an inspiration to the city of Cleveland because she represents hope.
On May 6, DeJesus, Amanda Berry, 27, and Michelle Knight, 32, were freed from a Seymour Avenue home where Castro had held them captive after he abducted them separately. They were held against their will in that home until Berry managed to escape, knock down part of a door of Castro's home and call 9-1-1 with the help of a neighbor. Police arrested Castro that same day and on Aug. 1, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 1,000 years.
Michelle Knight Testimony in Court: 'I Can Forgive But I Will Never Forget'
DeJesus' father spoke at the Latino Fest after Sunday's parade with his wife by his side, according to the news report. He said all three women "are doing beautiful" and that there is more to be done about Ohio's missing people.
"Our work is not done. We have more beautiful children out there who need our help," he said. "We need to keep our eyes and ears open. Don't let these children go in vain."
