Instead of facing a trial for almost 1,000 counts Ariel Castro, the man accused of kidnapping and detaining three women in his Cleveland home for a decade, opted to plead guilty under an agreement that would allow him to avoid facing the death penalty, according to the Christian Science Monitor.
By accepting the plea deal Castro will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Pleading guilty also means that Castro will not face a trial that was scheduled to begin on August 5. If he went to trial two of the charges he faced, for aggravated murder for allegedly beating one of the women who was pregnant until she had a miscarriage, carried the death sentence, according to CNN.
When Castro was asked by the judge if he understood that by pleading guilty that he would never be released from prison he responded that he knew was "going to get the book thrown at me," according to the Associated Press.
"I knew that when I first spoke to the FBI agent when I first got arrested," Castro said.
Castro also said that while he can read and understand English he often has trouble comprehending.
"My addiction to pornography and my sexual problem has really taken a toll on my mind," Castro said.
Chief Prosecutor Tim McGinty took umbrage with Castro's contention that he was a victim of sex addiction.
"He's a coward and he's nowhere near the truth," McGinty said. "He's in his own world and it's not a world of regret and remorse. He feels sorry for one person and one person only - himself."
The three victims were pleased that a plea deal was reached because they did not want to have to take the stand and relive their ordeal during a trial, according to CNN.
"Amanda, Gina and Michelle are relieved by today's plea," a statement released by the law firm representing the women said. "They are satisfied by this resolution to the case, and are looking forward to having these legal proceedings draw to a final close in the near future."
