'I am not a bad person,' says Akron man sentenced to prison for shooting ex-girlfriend
An Akron woman had to relearn to walk after being shot multiple times by her ex-boyfriend last September.
Elsie Rivera, though, was able to walk into court Tuesday to face the man who shot her and then abducted their 4-year-old son.
“I was left with physical and mental damage for the rest of my life,” Rivera told Jose Castro during his plea and sentencing in Summit County Common Pleas Court. “I don’t hate him, but I have not been able to forgive him.”
More:Child safe, suspect arrested in Akron kidnapping after 4-year-old's mother shot
Castro, 27, of Akron, pleaded guilty Tuesday to multiple charges, including attempted murder and kidnapping.
Judge Susan Baker Ross immediately sentenced Castro to 15 to 19½ years in prison, the penalty agreed upon by the attorneys.
Jose Castro shoots ex-girlfriend, then abducts their son
Castro shot Rivera multiple times on Sept. 19, 2022, then fled with their son. A statewide Amber alert was issued, but the boy was returned unharmed.
Rivera, who was unconscious when paramedics arrived, was rushed to Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
Castro, who was aided by an interpreter, pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempted murder with a three-year firearm specification, kidnapping, domestic violence, endangering children, and having weapons while under disability, a charge that means he was prohibited from having a gun because of a prior violation.
More:Family of Akron mother shot during kidnapping say shooting was preventable
For an unrelated case, he also pleaded guilty to failure to comply with a signal of a police officer, aggravated menacing and discharge of a firearm.
Several other charges against him were dismissed.
Elsie Rivera is thankful to be alive
Family members of both Rivera and Castro attended the hearing either in person or via Zoom.
Rivera said she thanks God that she was able to be there. She said she hopes Castro uses his time in prison to become a better person. She said she wants her and their son to have a decent, peaceful life.
“Maybe we are never going to be the same again,” she said, getting teary. “I pray we can overcome everything we went through and the rest yet to come.”
More:State investigating why duplicate Amber Alert sent out after Akron kidnapping
Christopher Rivero, Castro’s Cleveland attorney, said Castro took responsibility for what he did and is remorseful. He said his client was going through a dark time in his life and suffering from a drug addiction that “turned him into a different person.”
“He understands this was the outcome of his decisions,” Rivero said.
Rivero said Castro didn’t want to put Rivera or his son through a trial.
Castro apologizes and asks for forgiveness
Castro, who was emotional throughout the hearing, apologized and asked Rivera and his son for their forgiveness.
“I know what I did was very serious but people who know me know I am not a bad person,” he said, wiping away tears. “I’m hoping some day you can forgive me.”
Ross urged Castro to take advantage of the programs and classes available to him in prison.
“Please use your time wisely,” she said. “Stay out of trouble. Don’t get involved in gangs. You have a child to come home to. Keep that in your heart when you’re there.”
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jose Castro of Akron gets prison for shooting woman, abducting her son
