Michael Madison Update: Suspected East Cleveland serial killer pleads not guilty
(CBS/AP) CLEVELAND - Michael Madison, a convicted sex offender accused of killing three women and leaving their bodies in trash bags in a run-down East Cleveland neighborhood, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Thursday, reports CBS affiliate WOIO.
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Madison, 36, was re-indicted for the murders this week after a county grand jury reportedly added specifications that could lead to a death sentence if he is convicted.
Madison's attorney, David Grant, has lobbied against making it a death-penalty case and said Tuesday he was disappointed but not surprised by the decision.
According to WOIO, Madison's bond was continued at $6M.
Madison is accused of strangling Shetisha Sheeley, 28, Angela H. Deskins, 38, and Shirellda Terry, 18, to death. Their bodies were found in July after police received a call about a foul smell coming from a garage.
The 14-count updated indictment includes two counts each of aggravated murder for each victim, reflecting allegations that the alleged crimes were a pattern and were perpetrated while committing another felony.
The indictment also includes three counts of kidnapping, three counts of gross abuse of a corpse, one count of rape and one count of weapons possession by an ex-convict.
Madison was classified as a sex offender in 2002 when he was sentenced to four years in prison for attempted rape, according to court records. He had drug-related convictions in 2000 and 2001.
Madison is due back in court on November 9.