CLEVELAND — A sentencing hearing in Cleveland turned chaotic Thursday when the father of one of Ohio serial killer Michael Madison’s victims attempted to attack him in court, just moments after the judge handed down a death sentence.
Van Terry, the father of 18-year-old Shirellda Terry, approached the podium to speak about his daughter’s loss. During his statement, he expressed anger and disbelief, referring to Madison as a “clown” who had devastated families. After pausing, Terry turned toward the defendant, suddenly rushed at him, and leapt over the defense table.
Courtroom deputies quickly restrained Terry as Madison and others moved out of the way. Shouts of “No!” and “Terry!” echoed through the courtroom before officers removed him. Madison was unharmed, and after a 15-minute recess, Judge Nancy McDonnell resumed the hearing.
Moments earlier, Judge McDonnell had affirmed the jury’s recommendation of the death penalty for Madison, who was convicted of murdering three women in 2013: Angela Deskins, 38; Shetisha Sheeley, 28; and Shirellda Terry, 18. Their bodies were found near Madison’s East Cleveland apartment. Madison admitted to strangling two of the victims but claimed he couldn’t recall killing the third.
The judge stated that the brutality of the crimes outweighed mitigating evidence presented by Madison’s defense, including his history of childhood abuse and neglect. Madison’s attorneys did not dispute his guilt but argued his traumatic upbringing should spare him from execution.
The case began when a cable worker reported a foul odor near Madison’s garage, leading police to the first victim’s body. Two more bodies were discovered shortly after in a vacant house and a nearby backyard.
Prosecutors insisted the death penalty was warranted, calling Madison’s acts deliberate and heinous. Assistant prosecutor Christopher Schroeder said the sentence sends a clear message that the harshest punishment will be imposed for such crimes.
Madison, a registered sex offender since a 2002 attempted rape conviction, now faces years of appeals before any execution can take place. Ohio’s shortage of lethal injection drugs has also cast uncertainty on when executions in the state will resume.
The case drew comparisons to Cleveland serial killer Anthony Sowell, who was convicted in 2011 for killing 11 women and is also on death row while his appeal is under review.
Summary
- Courtroom Outburst: Van Terry, the father of 18-year-old victim Shirellda Terry, attempted to attack serial killer Michael Madison in court after the judge sentenced Madison to death. Deputies restrained Terry, and the hearing resumed after a brief delay.
- The Crimes: Madison was convicted of murdering three women in 2013 — Angela Deskins (38), Shetisha Sheeley (28), and Shirellda Terry (18). Their bodies were found near his East Cleveland apartment. Madison admitted to strangling two victims but claimed he couldn’t recall killing the third.
- Sentencing: Judge Nancy McDonnell upheld the jury’s recommendation for the death penalty, stating the severity of Madison’s crimes outweighed mitigating evidence about his abusive childhood. His lawyers focused on sparing him execution rather than contesting guilt.
- Investigation: The case began when a cable worker noticed a strong odor near Madison’s garage, leading police to one body, and later, to two more in nearby locations.
- Context: Madison’s case drew comparisons to another Cleveland serial killer, Anthony Sowell, who was sentenced to death in 2011. Madison had previously served prison time for attempted rape in 2002.
- Next Steps: Madison’s execution is likely years away due to lengthy appeals and Ohio’s shortage of lethal injection drugs.
