CLEVELAND — The three women held captive in a Cleveland home for a decade say they are relieved that Ariel Castro has pleaded guilty to charges that will keep him in prison for life.

A statement released Friday by a law firm representing the women says they are satisfied by the resolution and looking forward to the end of the legal end of the case.

Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight are continuing to ask for privacy and say they don't want to speak publicly.

Castro pleaded guilty Friday to 937 counts. Prosecutors are recommending that he be sentenced to life without parole plus 1,000 years when he's back before a judge next Thursday.

The three women who disappeared separately between 2002 and 2004 escaped from Castro's house May 6.