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Seymour Avenue: 5 years after the Miracle in Cleveland

Neighbors who live on Seymour Avenue reflect on how the street has changed in the 5 years since the escape of Gina, Amanda, and Michelle in the "Miracle in Cleveland."

CLEVELAND -- The gleaming memorial garden on Seymour Avenue that was planted after the demolition of the House of Horrors, is not like it used to be.

In the years that have passed, the once blooming bushes now barely return in the spring.

But the predominantly Latino community that lives on Seymour remains proud and undeterred by the notoriety of their street. To this day, they are reminded of the unspeakable torture that took place for more than a decade, every time a car slows down for a passenger to snap a picture of the grassy lot.

It's a twisted tourist attraction that draws the occasional charter bus too.

"Talking about Greyhound buses. Everybody coming out, taking pictures, and somebody explaining," said Rafael, a longtime resident who didn't want to give his last name.

Two neighbors claimed that the man leading pne of the tour groups was none other than Charles Ramsey, the colorful personality who was initially hailed a hero for helping Amanda Berry out of the house.

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But 5 years later, resentment over Ramsey remains.

Several neighbors we spoke with expressed anger over Ramsey being credited with helping the women escape. They claim the real hero was an undocumented immigrant, who was the first to come to Amanda Berry's aid when she called out for help. Neighbors say he later returned to the Dominican Republic.

"It wasn't Ramsey. It wasn't Ramsey," said Luis Soto. "[He got the credit] because he speaks English. The other guy doesn't speak English," claimed Soto.

However there is one thing that has changed for the better.

"We watch out for everyone," said one neighbor who didn't want to give his name.

"It's not going to happen again. Next time we're going to know. We're watching people out here."

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