A prosecutor says he may seek the death penalty against the man accused of kidnapping and raping three woman in Ohio.

It's understood aggravated murder charges could be filed against Ariel Castro relating to pregnancies terminated by force.

Ariel Castro appeared in court in Cleveland, Ohio, yesterday charged with multiple counts of kidnap and rape. He was arrested on Tuesday after 3 young women and a 6-year-old girl were rescued from his home.

The women are understood to have been held there against their will since they were abducted separately over the past 10 years.

Castro's two brothers were also brought before Cleveland Municipal Court. They were charged with misdemeanour offences relating to having alcohol in an open container in a public space.

Ariel Castro can be released from custody if he can come up with a bail bond which the Judge has set at US$2 million cash on each of the cases against him. He has been barred from making any contact whatsoever with his alleged victims or their families.

His Mother, Lillian Rodriguez, says she doesn't know anything about what happened:

Angie Gregg, one of Ariel Castro's daughters, has spoken to American news network CNN. She says things are falling into place now:

 

Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight were rescued from his house on Tuesday. He was hand-cuffed, had his head bowed, and his collar pulled up around his neck.

Castro did not speak during the hearing, but his lawyer addressed the court.