There are many similarities with the crime in this episode with the real life events of the Ariel Castro case; which is even noted by ADA Rafael early in the episode. One of the most striking similarities, other than the crime itself, is the interview Detective Amaro has with the suspect's neighbour in the episode compared to the real life news interview with Charles Ramsey, who is often credited as the neighbour who helped free the victims of Ariel Castro.
Agatha Nowicki (Kayla "Sissy" Greyland) also appeared in Season 12, episode 20's "Totem" as Katie Cavanaugh