Father attacks daughter’s killer in court

The father of one of three victims of an Ohio serial killer leaped over a table to attack the defendant in court Thursday, just minutes after the judge pronounced a death sentence.

Van Terry is the father of victim Shirellda Terry. He was giving testimony about the loss of his daughter when he turned, paused and lunged toward convicted sex-offender Michael Madison.

1:21 3 years of anguish boiling over led to Cleveland courtroom attack

• 3 years of anguish boiling over led to Cleveland courtroom attack
• Victim’s father attacks Ohio serial killer during sentencing
• Father who attacked daughter’s killer in courtroom speaks out following assault

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Cuyahoga County courtroom deputies wrestled Van Terry as Madison and others scrambled to get out of the way.

READ MORE: Accused serial killer opts for judge-only trial

The proceeding continued once Van Terry was taken from the courtroom. Madison didn’t appear to be injured.

The outburst happened minutes after Judge Nancy McDonnell sentenced Madison to death for the 2013 killings.

The bodies of 38-year-old Angela Deskins, 28-year-old Shetisha Sheeley and 18-year-old Shirellda Terry were found in July 2013 near the East Cleveland apartment building where Madison lived.