DNA test confirms kidnap suspect as dad

Kidnap victim Amanda Berry (right) is reunited with her sister, Beth Serrano. Photo: AP

A DNA test confirmed another dark twist in the story of three women imprisoned in a house for about a decade - kidnapping and rape suspect Ariel Castro is the father of a six-year-old girl who escaped from the house along with the women, a prosecutor says.

As the investigation into the women's ordeal continued, the FBI also said no human remains were among more than 200 pieces of evidence collected from the house.

Two of the women, including the one who gave birth to the girl, returned to relatives' houses earlier this week. The third woman, Michelle Knight, was released from a hospital on Friday with a request that her privacy be respected.

Ariel Castro. Photo: AP

"Michelle Knight is in good spirits and would like the community to know that she is extremely grateful for the outpouring of flowers and gifts," the statement said.

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No information would be provided about Ms Knight's next steps, MetroHealth Medical Center spokeswoman Phyllis Marino said.

Castro remained in jail under a suicide watch on $US8 million bond while prosecutors weighed what charges they might bring against him, including the possibility of charges carrying a death penalty. He is already charged with rape and kidnapping.

Castro was represented at Thursday's hearing by public defender Kathleen Demetz, who said she was acting as Castro's adviser if needed until he is appointed a full-time lawyer once he's charged by a grand jury.

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DNA test confirms kidnap suspect as dad