Gina DeJesus, captive since age 14, returns home with a thumbs-up

CLEVELAND – As a curbside crowd joyfully chanted her name, Gina DeJesus, who disappeared in 2004 and was held prisoner for years in a house with two other women, arrived home on Wednesday.

As bystanders cheered, “Gina, Gina, Gina,” DeJesus, now about 23, stepped from a dark SUV and thrust her right thumb into the air in a sign that all was well. DeJesus wore a hooded sweatshirt that hid her face and was locked in a hug with a relative as they walked into the house.

DeJesus is the second of the women captives to return to their families after their Monday escape.

Earlier Wednesday, Amanda Berry and her 6-year-old daughter went to the house of her sister, Beth Serrano. In brief comments, Serrano asked for privacy about her sister’s ordeal, which she said included the birth of the child during the captivity.

DeJesus did not speak, but her aunt, Sandra Ruiz, said the family was joyful at the return--but needed time.

“There’s not enough words to say or express the joy that we feel at the return of our family member Gina,” Ruiz said.

“Thank you,” Ruiz said later, telling onlookers that she was “asking your support to be patient. Give us time and privacy to heal.”

DeJesus was 14 when she went missing in April 2004 while walking home from school. In her remarks, Ruiz called the other freed women, Berry, 27, and Michelle Knight, 32, members of her family. Berry was kidnapped in 2003 and Knight in 2002.

Ruiz also urged people not to retaliate against the suspects or their families. Three brothers have been arrested in the case, one of whom, Ariel Castro, 52, was charged Wednesday.

Ashley Harris, 27, was among the crowd, and she brought her three children to witness the homecoming. She said she had participated in vigils and searches for DeJesus.

“It’s just so sad and I’m so happy they’re home,” she said, putting her hand on her chest to calm her emotions. “God is good.”

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