A woman who said she knew Michael Madison, under charges of murdering three women whose bodies were found in garbage bags in East Cleveland, said he had mentioned serial killer Anthony Sowell in describing Madison's feelings toward some women.
Quiana Baker, 34, was on the witness stand in the trial of Madison. She said they had been friends and sometimes had dinner together in her home. She said it was after a funeral of a friend when Madison appeared emotional and aggravated her made the statement about Sowell. "He said he was aggravated with the way women treated him and make him want to Anthony Sowell a b-word," she said under questioning by prosecution.
Baker said there were several people in the room when Madison made the statement. She said his words were directed to her at the time he was very emotional over the death of a friend.
Madison is charged with the murders if Shetisha Sheeley, Angela Dexkins, and Shirellda Terry. Their bodies were found in garbage bags in a garage near Madison's East Cleveland apartment.
Under cross examination from a defense attorney for Madison, Baker was asked to describe Madison as a father to his children whom she also knew. "Nothing he did to me made me think he was a bad person," she testified. "I just felt like he was misunderstood."
When Madison was arrested following the discoveries of the women's bodies, police said he confessed to the killings. He later recanted that confession. If he is convicted of the aggravated murder and kidnapping charges, he could face the death penalty.
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