Father Lunges at Daughter’s Killer During Death Sentence Hearing in Ohio Courtroom

In an emotionally charged moment that captured national attention, the father of one of Ohio serial killer Michael Madison’s victims attempted to attack the convicted murderer during a sentencing hearing in Cleveland. The dramatic incident took place just minutes after Madison was sentenced to death for the murder of three women, including 18-year-old Shirellda Terry.

A Grieving Father’s Breaking Point

Emotional Impact Turns Physical

On Thursday, Van Terry, father of Shirellda Terry, approached the podium in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to deliver a victim impact statement before the judge. As he addressed the court about the devastation his family had suffered, Terry’s emotional pain became overwhelming.

“Right now, I guess we’re supposed to, in our hearts, forgive this clown, who has touched our families, taken my child,” Terry said.

After speaking those words, Terry turned toward Michael Madison, who was seated at the defense table. Without warning, he sprinted toward the table and leaped over it, lunging at the convicted killer.

Courtroom deputies and officers quickly intervened, subduing Terry as chaos erupted in the room. Bystanders could be heard shouting “No!” and “Terry!” as deputies removed him from the courtroom. Madison was not reported to have sustained any injuries.

Court Resumes After Brief Disruption

Despite the emotional outburst, Judge Nancy McDonnell chose not to clear the courtroom. After a roughly 15-minute delay, proceedings resumed and Madison’s sentencing hearing concluded as planned.

Michael Madison Sentenced to Death

Serial Murders That Shocked Ohio

Michael Madison, 38, was sentenced to death for the 2013 murders of Angela Deskins (38), Shetisha Sheeley (28), and Shirellda Terry (18). Their bodies were found in July 2013 near Madison’s East Cleveland apartment, sparking public horror and comparisons to the notorious case of serial killer Anthony Sowell.

Madison admitted to strangling two of the women but claimed he couldn’t recall killing the third.

A jury convicted him earlier in the month on multiple counts of aggravated murder and kidnapping. On Thursday, the jury’s recommendation of the death penalty was formally accepted by Judge McDonnell, who cited the heinous nature of Madison’s crimes.

“The court finds that the aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating factors,” McDonnell ruled.

Defense Cites Troubled Past

During the trial, Madison’s defense attorneys did not dispute his guilt. Instead, they sought to spare him the death penalty by highlighting his traumatic upbringing. They described years of abuse from his drug-addicted mother, stepfather, and other relatives.

“This history of abuse… doesn’t excuse what happened, but it provides context,” said defense attorney David Grant.

Despite the emotional mitigation efforts, the court concluded that the brutality of the crimes justified the strongest penalty allowed under Ohio law.

Investigations, Appeals, and Execution Uncertainties

The Start of a Lengthy Legal Process

Although Madison has been sentenced to death, his execution is likely years away. The appeals process for death penalty cases is extensive, and Ohio currently faces logistical hurdles — including a shortage of lethal injection drugs — that may delay any future executions.

At the time of sentencing, Ohio’s next scheduled execution round was uncertain, with planned executions starting in January but facing significant delays due to legal and supply challenges.

How the Case Began

The investigation into Madison began in 2013 after a cable company employee noticed a strong odor coming from a garage at Madison’s apartment complex. Inside, police found a woman’s decomposing body wrapped in garbage bags and sealed with tape. Within 24 hours, authorities discovered two more bodies — one in a basement and another buried in a nearby backyard.

The gruesome discoveries drew national attention and reignited fears of another serial killer operating in Cleveland, reminiscent of Anthony Sowell, who was convicted in 2011 for the murders of 11 women.

Community Response and Legal Repercussions

Prosecutors Push for Harshest Sentence

Cuyahoga County prosecutors made a strong case for the death penalty, stating that Madison’s actions warranted the maximum punishment under state law.

“A death sentence will send a message… that crimes of this nature receive the strongest possible consequence,” said Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schroeder.

Madison had a criminal history prior to the 2013 murders. In 2002, he was convicted of attempted rape and sentenced to four years in prison, which resulted in his classification as a registered sex offender.

Final Thoughts

The courtroom incident involving Van Terry was a raw and heartbreaking reminder of the personal devastation that violent crimes bring to victims’ families. While the justice system seeks legal resolution, emotional closure remains elusive for those left behind.

As Michael Madison’s case moves into the appeals phase, the memory of Angela Deskins, Shetisha Sheeley, and Shirellda Terry will continue to weigh heavily on a grieving community — and a father whose pain briefly boiled over in a moment that the public won’t soon forget.