Trial set for Ohioan charged with killing 3 women

8/20/2013

CLEVELAND — A trial date has been set for an Ohio man accused of killing three women whose bodies were found wrapped in trash bags.

Michael Madison is scheduled to be tried on aggravated murder and kidnapping charges in Cleveland beginning Feb. 28. He also faces gross abuse of a corpse, rape and weapons charges.

Madison waived his right to a speedy trial during a brief court hearing today. He already had pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors will meet next month to decide whether to seek the death penalty.

Police in East Cleveland discovered the first of three bodies on July 19 after getting a call about a foul odor. Madison was arrested that day after a brief standoff with police.

A coroner ruled that two of the three women were strangled.