© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MSU expert weighs impact of Ariel Castro's death on victims

Flickr/mikelynaugh

Ariel Castro, the man who was recently convicted for holding three women captive in his Cleveland home for nearly a decade, was found hanged in his cell earlier today. Prison officials are calling it a suicide.

In the wake of daily headlines about kidnappings, school shootings and the like, survivors share a common problem--that of psychological trauma and even post-traumatic stress.

Frank Ochberg is a pioneer in the field of helping victims of such events. He's a clinical professor of psychiatry at Michigan State University. Ochberg has founded, headed or been part of a number of organizations dealing with PTSD and was head of the Michigan Department of Mental Health from 1979 to 1981. In addition, you’ve probably seen him on national TV talking about the challenges faced by trauma survivors.

He joined Current State to describe the process of healing from severe trauma.

Related Content
With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.