Man denies all charges over 10-year kidnap

Former school bus driver Ariel Castro appeared in court in Cleveland, Ohio, on an indictment charging him with murder, kidnapping and rape in more than 300 counts.

The murder charge involves his allegedly starving and punching a pregnant woman in captivity until she miscarried.

Castro, 52, is accused of snatching the three women and keeping them – sometimes in chains – along with a six-year-old girl he fathered with one of them.

Prosecutors say they are leaving the door open to pursuing a death penalty case against Castro.

News that the women had been found alive electrified the Cleveland area, after years of searches, publicity and vigils.

Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight disappeared separately between 2002 and 2004, when they were 14, 16 and 20 years old. Each said they had accepted a ride from Castro.