Michael Madison Update: Ohio murder suspect watched YouTube videos about serial killer Anthony Sowell, ex-girlfriend reportedly says
(CBS) -- A woman who described herself as the ex-girlfriend of Michael Madison, suspected in the deaths of three Ohio women, told CBS affiliate WOIO that Madison had a fixation with Cleveland serial killer Anthony Sowell.
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The woman, who asked to remain unidentified, told the station that Madison would frequently watch YouTube videos about the Sowell case and cry. She says he expressed sympathy for Sowell and disdain for his female victims.
Madison also allegedly held a gun to her head and threatened her, the woman told the station.
Madison is charged with kidnapping and killing three women, whose bodies were discovered in East Cleveland over the weekend. Authorities responding to a report of a foul odor from a home ultimately discovered the bodies and arrested Madison, a registered sex offender.
The odor led to the discovery Friday of one body in a garage. Two others were found Saturday - one in a backyard and the other in the basement of a vacant house.
The victims were found about 100 to 200 yards apart, and authorities believed they were killed in the past six to 10 days. The discovery sent police and volunteers through a poor Ohio neighborhood in a search for more victims Sunday, though no other bodies have been found, officials said.
The three victims have been identified as Shirellda Terry, 18, Angela Deskins, 38, and Shetisha Sheeley, 28, WOIO reports.
East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton has said Madison has indicated he might have been influenced by Sowell, who was convicted in 2011 of murdering 11 women and sentenced to death.
East Cleveland Police Detective Scott Gardner described deplorable conditions inside Madison's home, reports the station, saying there were decomposing bodily fluids on the walls, in the closet and on the floor.
There were also reportedly maggots in the home, and investigators uncovered women's clothing there.
Madison remains jailed on a $6 million bond. His case is pending before the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury.