CLEVELAND — A lot has changed on Seymour Avenue in Tremont since May 6, 2013. In the years since, the property that held Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight captive, has been a vacant lot with no sign of the awful events that led to its demolition.
Former Cleveland City Councilman Matt Zone remembers when Amanda and Gina first went missing. He was in close contact with Gina’s family, who lived in his district, and would often join them for search parties and vigils.
On May 6, 2013, he remembers getting the call from police that the girls had been found. He said in the days that followed, the conversation shifted to the fate of the house.
Family members and neighbors wanted nothing to do with it, he said.
“It created so much trauma for the family members—but the people who live on this street,” Zone said. “They had to walk by it daily and it was a constant reminder of how terrible that act was.”
The day of demolition came just three months after the trio were found on August 7, 2013, as part of a plea deal with their captor, Ariel Castro.
Zone was there with Gina’s mom Nancy Ruiz. He said the best part of the demolition was when she got in the driver seat and took the first swing at the house.
“She slammed it into the roof and she turned back with such joy and raised her hands like, yes! And everyone, you know, just broke out in joyous applause and cheers," he recalled.
Today, a grass field and some plants mark the spot. Zone said for some, the site may still bring up the awful events of the past. But he also hopes it’s reminder of the good that happened that day on Seymour, 10 years ago.
“It’s a constant reminder you have to keep those you love close and watch out over them and if it wasn’t for the neighbors being responsible enough to take action, you know, those young women may not be with us today,” he said.
Zone said Cleveland owns and maintains the property today and there aren’t any plans to change that.