Ariel Castro Reportedly Found Hanging in Prison Cell

Ariel Castro, who was sentenced on August 1 to life in prison, plus 1,000 years, for kidnapping, imprisoning, and repeatedly raping Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry and Michelle Knight in his Cleveland home, has been found dead in his prison cell.

According to 19 Action News:

Inmate Ariel Castro was found hanging in his cell this evening at 9:20 pm at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient. He was housed in protective custody which means he was in a cell by himself and rounds are required every 30 minutes at staggered intervals. Upon finding inmate Castro, prison medical staff began performing life saving measures. Shortly after he was transported to [Ohio State Police and the Department of Corrections] where he was pronounced dead at 10:52 pm. A thorough review of this incident is underway and more information can be provided as it becomes available pending the status of the investigation.

The AP is reporting it as a suicide.

[19 Action News, AP]