Kidnap accused pleads not guilty to rape and murder

A Cleveland man accused of holding three young women captive for a decade pleaded not guilty to hundreds of charges, including rape, kidnapping and murder for beating one pregnant captive until she miscarried.

Ariel Castro, 52, could face the death penalty if convicted of the aggravated murder charge, which is a capital offence in Ohio if it occurs in connection with a kidnapping.

Castro’s lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in a brief arraignment. He shuffled into the courtroom with his head bowed and did not say a word.