Michael Schiavo: Loving Husband Or Monster?

By Bonnie Chernin Rogoff (02/21/05)

As national pro-life groups and prominent leaders converged in
vigils outside Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida, Terri
Schiavo is inside the building in her bed, still hooked up to the
feeding tube that has been center-focus of this so-called "right-to-
die" case for the past several years. Ms. Schiavo is profoundly
disabled and cannot communicate with words at this time.

But she knows. She feels. There's expression in those eyes. Just one
look at her in a video with her mother and everyone except the
Scarecrow on his way to Oz knows it, too.

Recently, another presumed "brain-dead" woman made news in Kansas.
In a coma after becoming the victim of a drunk driver, Sarah
Scantlin snapped out of a twenty year silence and began to speak.
Memories are now coming back to her. By legal definition, Miss
Scantlin's life is valid. Yesterday, it was not. Was she ever in a
persistent vegetative state, or PVS? She'd respond to questions by
blinking once for no, twice for yes, but since she couldn't speak no
one was ever sure she understood the questions.

That's the problem. No one is ever sure. The only ones who claim to
know what's best for the profoundly disabled are those who seek to
benefit the most by having them legally murdered.

On Monday, February 21, new hearings will commence before Judge
Greer with regard to the Schiavo case. The Empire Journal reports
that David Gibbs III, attorney representing Terri's parents Robert
and Mary Schindler, will argue that new medical tests be ordered for
Terri based upon a new brain imaging study published in the
journal "Neurology." These tests could determine whether Terri
Schiavo is, in fact, in a PVS. Since Judge Greer believes she is,
ruled to have her killed and has thus far refused the admission of
any medical evidence that would save Terri's life, I'd be shocked to
see him budge.

Greer has been acting in the dual role of judge and guardian ad
litem. He previously denied a petition by Terri's parents that their
daughter be given a swallowing test, and has denied them the right
to visit Terri. He continues to promote the interests of Michael
Schiavo by refusing Terri the right to independent counsel, a right
which even serial killers like Ted Bundy received.

Whenever people discuss euthanasia, you'll always find those who
will defend the odious practice. However, no one defends domestic
violence. That leads to the 6 ft. 6 inch, 250 pound problem: Michael
Schiavo. The evidence compiled against him suggests a history and
pattern of domestic abuse against Terri and other women that is
strong and significant. An immediate criminal investigation is
warranted.

The main evidence comes from a bone scan (article continues below)

(Note from saveterrislife website owner: See Bone scan done on
Terri here):
http://terrisfight.org/images/bonescan.jpg

(continuing with the article,
"Michael Schiavo: Loving Husband Or MONSTER?"):

taken on March 5, 1991. As Terri's guardian, Michael Schiavo denied
her family access to Terri's records, the results of which were not
made available until November, 2002. This scan indicated numerous
broken bones in various stages of healing, including compressions
fractures, a broken back, pelvis, ankle, bone bruises and
ossifications.

Board certified radiologist Dr. Walker read the scan in 1991 and
interpreted the results as abnormal, which he attributed to either
an accident or earlier trauma. Based on the remodeling process of
her bones, Dr. Walker stated in his deposition that a) the injuries
indicated by the scan occurred on or around the time that Terri
Schiavo collapsed; b) the abnormalities on the bone scan were not
typical of someone suffering cardiac arrest and collapsing to the
floor, and c) the fractures indicated by the bone scan are not
typical of patients bedridden only thirteen months. As recorded in
Dr. Walker's November 21, 2003 deposition, Terri might have been the
victim of foul play via a blow to her body, being thrown into a
sharp furniture corner, or assaulted with a blunt object.

On October 24, 2003, renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden
was interviewed by Greta van Susteren on Fox News. He disclosed that
with low potassium and no elevated enzymes, it would be extremely
rare for a young woman to collapse as Terri did from a heart attack.
When asked what the bone injuries suggest to him, Dr. Baden
replied, "Some kind of trauma. The trauma can be from a fall, or the
trauma can be from some kind of beating that she obtained from
somebody somewhere. It's something that should have been
investigated in 1991 when these findings were found."

(Note from saveterrislife: Here's the transcript from a TV show on
Fox News Channel's "On the Record" with Greta Van Susteren
interviewing Dr. Baden about Terri's injuries:

"On the Record" with Greta van Susteren

Interview with Dr. Michael Baden, a Forensic Pathologist from NY

10-24-03

Greta: Dr. Baden, a potassium imbalance, let's first talk about if
you have a potassium deficiency, can that cause the condition that
Terri Schiavo has?

Baden: Um, can, but unlikely. Potassium is very interesting. It's
probably the most lethal poison we have when it's injected rapidly,
and that's why it's the poison that kills people, capital punishment
by lethal injection. And it stops the heart from beating properly —
too much of it. But also too little of it., hypo-potassium, can also
cause the heart to stop beating properly and lead to lack of blood
flow to the brain and death of brain cells by lack of oxygen. But
that's very unusual, Greta, extremely unusual.

Greta: A normal healthy woman, I assume, would have no reason, for
instance, to take potassium supplements unless, perhaps, she's on a
diuretic or some other medication that would cause a potassium
depletion. Is that right?

Baden: That's correct. That's right.

Greta: Is there any explanation then in your mind, and I realize you
were not her team physician, but why would a woman at her age have a
potassium imbalance?

Baden: Extremely unusual unless she had certain kinds of diseases,
which she doesn't have. She was in her twenties. The reason that
she's in the state she's in is because there was a period of time,
maybe 5 minutes or 8 minutes, when not enough oxygen was going to
her brain. That can happen because the heart stops for 5 or 8
minutes, but she had a healthy heart, from what we can see. The
other thing, though. . . I'm sorry Greta?

Greta: No, go ahead.

Baden: Yeah, your staff has provided me with a bone scan that you
guys obtained ah from her initial admission in 1991 to the hospital.
And that bone scan describes her as having a head injury. That's why
she's there, that's why she's getting a bone scan. And a head injury
can cause, lead to the vegetative state that Ms. Schiavo is in now,
(continues below)

(Note from saveterrislife: Terri is not in a vegetative state, nor
is Terri in a Persistent Vegetative State, known as PVS, as you can
see by clicking on this link:
http://web.tampabay.rr.com/ccb/videos/balloon.rm

(Now, continuing with Dr. Baden's quote from above):

and it does show evidence that there are other injuries, other bone
fractures, that on healing-stage, so that....

Greta: So, let me back up a second. Head injury. Could she have had,
could she have passed out from a potassium imbalance causing a
falling head injury? Is that what you're talking about, or are you
suggesting some pre-existing head injury to her passing out?

Baden: Something totally different. That it's extremely rare for a
20-year-old to have a cardiac arrest from low potassium who has no
other diseases. So the other issue is could it have been due to some
other cause, which is raised by the family, has to be looked at.

Greta: Alright, other injuries and bone injuries, what does that
suggest to you?

Baden: Some kind of trauma. The trauma can be from an auto accident,
the trauma can be from a fall, or the trauma can be from some kind
of beating that she obtained from somebody somewhere. It's something
that should have been investigated in 1991 when these findings were
found, and….

Greta: They were fresh.

Baden: Maybe there were, Maybe they were investigated by police at
that time.

Greta: Alright. Dr. Michael Baden, thank you.

Baden: Thank you, Greta.

(End of transcript)



(More notes from saveterrislife: Check out these articles regarding
what Forensic Pathologist Michael Baden said about Terri in October,
2003:

Questions raised about Terri's collapse
Celebrated forensic pathologist says
1990 injuries should be investigated
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35276


Doctor Says Terri Schiavo Likely Victim of 'Some Kind of Trauma'
http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/10/29/100629.shtml


Was Terri Schiavo Beaten in 1990?
Will There Be an Investigation in Time?
http://tilrc.org/docs/1203schiavo.htm


State-Funded Agency to Probe Claim of Spousal Abuse
in Terri Schiavo Case - Bone scan and injuries indicate severe
trauma and strangulation
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2003/oct/03102701.html


Plus, see this recent article:
Florida Officials Must Impanel Grand Jury
On Alleged Schiavo Abuse
http://theempirejournal.com/alleged_schiavo_abuse_florida_of.htm


Also see:
Evidence of Physical Abuse Haunts Michael Schiavo

Fractures in wife's ribs, pelvis, spine and ankle point to prolonged
violent abuse

To: National Desk

Contact: Gary McCullough for the Schindler Family, 202-546-0054

CLEARWATER, Fl., Feb.10 (2005) /Christian Wire Service/ --
On May 6, 1990, two months after the mysterious incident that left
Terri Schindler Schiavo severely mentally disabled, Dr. Hamilton, an
Orthopedic Surgeon, examined her. A year later Terri was
demonstrating painful reactions to physical therapy treatment, so on
March 5, 1991, the Mediplex therapist director ordered a bone scan.

This bone scan revealed a healed broken right femur bone and healed
bone fractures in Terri Schindler Schiavo's ribs, pelvis, spine and
ankle.

Dr. W. Campbell Walker concluded that Terri has a history of trauma
and presumed that the other multiple areas of abnormal activity also
relate to previous trauma.

As Terri's lone guardian, Michael Schiavo has been able to conceal
the bone scan and examinations from her parents, brother, and sister
for over ten years. To date, Michael Schiavo has not allowed the
family to see the results of the May 6 examination, the emergency
room records from the day of the incident, nor any of the
accompanying x-rays.

Michael Schiavo's inability to be forthright over the bone scan
brings into question his lone description of Terri's activity at the
time of the incident. His choice to have his wife terminated rather
than rehabilitated may not be in pursuit of her interests, but to
continue to conceal the level of physical violence he displayed
toward Terri.

The bone scan evaluation is available online at
www.earnedmedia.org/bonescan.htm

The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation is the official organization
responsible for speaking on behalf of the Schindler family. For
more information and background on the case, visit the foundation's
website at http://www.terrisfight.org.


(End of Press Release)
http://www.earnedmedia.org/tf0211.htm


(Now, back to the article,
"Michael Schiavo: Loving Husband Or MONSTER?"):


Other medical testimonies are in agreement. One medical expert
testified that a diagnosis of a heart attack was never made.

(Note from saveterrislife: Read what Neurologist Dr. William
Hammesfahr said regarding this in his Complete Report regarding his
examination of Terri): "In the Emergency Room, a possible diagnosis
of heart attack was briefly entertained, but then dismissed after
blood chemistries and serial EKG's did not show evidence of a heart
attack. Similarly, a pulmonary or lung cause of the disorder was
ruled out in the Emergency Room after normal blood gases and Chest
X-Rays were obtained. The possibility of toxic shock syndrome was
also entertained. The diagnosis of the cause of her condition was
unknown. Her admission laboratory studies showed low potassium
level, markedly elevated glucose level, and a normal toxic screen
without evidence of diet pills or amphetamines."
http://terrisfight.org/documents/Hammesfahrexam.htm )

(Note from saveterrislife: The reason why her admission lab studies
showed markedly elevated glucose level is because Michael most
likely injected Terri with insulin on February 25, 1990, though
Terri was not and is not diabetic, and the EMT's had to give Terri
DW5, a sugar solution, dextrose, to normalize her blood sugar
level! Read what Terri's former nurse, Carla Iyer stated regarding
Michael injecting Terri with insulin on 5 other occasions LONG AFTER
Terri's so-called collapse, which was really a severe beating,
strangulation, and injection of insulin, per all of the evidence, on
February 25, 1990:

11. "When Michael visited Terri, he always came alone and always had
the door closed and locked while he was with Terri. He would
typically be there about twenty minutes or so. When he left Terri
would would be trembling, crying hysterically, and would be very
pale and have cold sweats. It looked to me like Terri was having a
hypoglycemic reaction, so I'd check her blood sugar. The glucometer
reading would be so low it was below the range where it would
register an actual number reading. I would put dextrose in Terri's
mouth to counteract it. This happened about five times on my shift
as I recall. Normally Terri's blood sugar levels were very stable
due to the uniformity of her diet through tube feeding. It is my
belief that Michael injected Terri with Regular insulin, which is
very fast acting."

http://terrisfight.org/documents/CIyerAffidavit090203.htm )

(Note: Carla Iyer also found an empty vial which had contained
insulin in Terri's room in the garbage can, immediately after one of
Michael's visits, and Terri was again showing all of the symptoms of
hypoglycemic shock! Carla again gave Terri dextrose to save her
life, turned in the empty insulin vial, and reported this to the
nursing home authorities where she worked. She was promptly fired
the next day! Check THIS out):

Ron Panzer's Notes: Interview With Dr. Hammesfahr

Startling details about Terri Schindler Schiavo Revealed!

Excerpt from the Hospice Patients Alliance Newsletter
January 8, 2004

Notes on Wednesday nights' interview (1/7/04) with neurologist,
William Hammesfahr, MD.

WILLIAM HAMMESFAHR, MD was interviewed Wednesday night on
Highway2health.net by Ron Panzer, President of Hospice Patients
Alliance. Dr. Hammesfahr is board certified in neurology and pain
management. He has spent many hours directly with Terri Schiavo and
reviewed the medical records directly. Dr. Hammesfahr unequivocally
stated that Terri is absolutely NOT in a persistent vegetative state
and definitely responds to instructions from those around her, that
she makes choices and shows decision-making ability in how she
responds.

Dr. Hammesfahr stated that the medical record was in a state of
shambles when it was given, that it was out of order by date and
that much of the medical record was never given to the Schindlers or
Dr. Hammesfahr! NEVER! Dr. Hammesfahr stated that there are notes in
the medical record by nurses who were NOT working at the time they
stated they were caring for Terri. Also, Dr. Hammesfahr stated that
parts of the medical record were completely missing! Dr. Hammesfahr
explained that Terri's blood sugar level upon admission to the
hospital was about 400 (373). When asked why it would be that high,
since Terri was NOT and is not a diabetic, Dr. Hammesfahr confirmed
that the emergency medical technicians who arrived by ambulance
probably gave Terri D-5-W, a dextrose in water solution. Dr.
Hammesfahr confirmed that EMTs would check a patient's blood glucose
level as part of their routine, when assessing a patient like Terri
who had collapsed. The only reason they would give D-5-W would
likely be that they discovered upon testing Terri, that her blood
sugar was LOW at the time of the collapse. Since Terri was not HYPO-
glycemic and was not diabetic, a POSSIBLE explanation for Terri
having LOW blood sugar at the time of her collapse is that she may
have been injected with insulin.

Noted, of course, was the sworn AFFIDAVIT/testimony of a nurse who
cared for Terri later on in the early 1990s, that Terri was found
shaking, pale and agitated after a visit by Michael Schiavo. In that
nurse's affidavit, the nurse stated that she found a vial of insulin
in Terri's PRIVATE room. Since Terri did not have diabetes, there
would be no reason for a vial of insulin to be in the garbage can in
her room at the nursing home. Dr. Hammesfahr and I agreed that we
had never seen any nurse or physician bring a vial of insulin into a
patient's room when administering insulin. The standard of practice
is to prepare a medication beforehand at the nurse's station, note
what medication is given in the medication administration record,
and then bring the syringe with the insulin in it to the patient,
but NOT the vial.

That a vial of insulin was found in Terri's room is not normal
practice even if Terri were getting insulin, but she was NOT and
never was on insulin! Dr. Hammesfahr explained that, although
Michael Schiavo admits to "shaking Terri up" Terri's injuries and
condition are not explainable due to anyone shaking her head ...
that her clinical condition would have been different if that was
the sole cause of her brain injury. Dr. Hammesfahr stated that the
type of injury and clinical condition Terri had at the time of her
collapse could be explained by a possible strangulation attempt
and/or an insulin injection combined with some form of attack or
trauma.

Dr. Hammesfahr confirmed that no police investigation was done to
look into Terri's condition, even after a bone scan (13 months after
her collapse) revealed multiple TRAUMA and broken bones. Dr.
Hammesfahr stated that the broken bones could NOT be explained by
any form of bone disease, that these were ABSOLUTELY broken bones
and that it must have been done through trauma, injury to her. Dr.
Hammesfahr said that other physicians had also come to the same
conclusion. Dr. Hammesfahr stated that Michael Schiavo kept these
bone scans and other medical records secret for over a DECADE. [They
were only released in 2002!]

Dr. Hammesfahr revealed that not only has Terri NEVER had a heart
attack as widely reported in the major media, she also NEVER even
had a cardiac arrest (her heart never stopped)! [she had arhythmias
of the heart but not a "stopped heart."] He explained that Terri's
injuries were multiple and showed injury TO her. He stated that
Terri had marked injury to her neck which still exists today, and
that he has only seen a similar injury, with spinal cord involvement
as well as brain injury, in one case where a patient had been
strangled. He stated that Terri had an L-1 injury to her spine,
which he stated is common among persons being thrown against a
table, for example. Dr. Hammesfahr confirmed that Terri could talk
and was improving in the very first year when she was getting some
rehabilitation (BEFORE Michael got the money), and that the medical
records confirm, that after Michael got the money, rehabilitation
was completely stopped!

Dr. Hammesfahr revealed that in the early years, Terri had had a
very small device surgically implanted into her brain to provide
therapeutic very low dosages of electrical stimulation to the brain,
which could help Terri, and which DID help Terri when it was first
started. However, after Michael got the money, Michael did not allow
further attempts to help Terri in this way. In addition, Dr.
Hammesfahr explained that the device (or any device) implanted,
would normally be carefully monitored so that no infection would
occur and no harm come to the patient. However, in Terri's case that
was not done and has not been done.

Dr. Hammesfahr revealed that Terri has at least 75% functional brain
tissue and that the stories circulating in the media about a head
full of fluid "only" are totally false. He has had patients with
less brain function doing much more than Terri is doing, and Dr.
Hammesfahr believes that Terri is being kept to a lower level of
function by her being denied opportunities to do anything, have any
rehabilitation, and that she her improvement is being sabotaged by
her being kept in isolation, with very few visitors or other input.
Dr. Hammesfahr revealed that Larry King had suggested to Michael
Schiavo that he let Mr. King's news crew go in to film Terri, to
settle once and for all what Terri's condition is, and that Michael
REFUSED!

Dr. Hammesfahr confirmed that Terri has been sedated at various
periods of time and that the sedation of Terri would make Terri less
responsive, especially during an examination by physicians who would
try to see what her condition was. He explained that physician
assessments of Terri made when she was sedated would necessarily NOT
be accurate, that they would UNDER-estimate her level of cognition
and abilities. Dr. Hammesfahr also revealed that Terri suffers from
some hydrocephalus, or fluid buildup in the brain. This is a serious
condition that must be treated to avoid further damage to the brain.
Dr. Hammesfahr confirmed that Michael has NOT allowed Terri to be
treated for her hydrocephalus. [This is in violation of Florida
guardian laws]

Dr. Hammesfahr, whose field is neurology, explained that an EEG
(electro-encephalograph reading) test which did not show much brain
activity was BOGUS! because it was done after Terri had been
transported to a facility for the testing and Terri had been
restless at the time, moving around quite a bit. Muscular movement
during an EEG produces readings on the EEG which must be filtered
out. Dr. Hammesfahr explained that by "filtering out" the EEG
activity Terri had due to the muscular movements, those filtering
that brain activity out had also filtered out Terri's brain
activity. In other words, the EEG done was worthless because it was
not properly done and several doctors have agreed with that.

Dr. Hammesfahr pointed out that Terri was also tested with balloons
to see if she would follow the balloon with her eyes and head when
instructed to do so. Dr. Hammesfahr pointed out that Terri did
follow the balloons when instructed, and that she did so, even
though turning her head far enough to the side caused her pain. He
pointed out that reflex actions are usually to avoid pain, but in
Terri's case she turned her head into painful positions in order to
follow the instructions of the physician testing her. Dr. Hammesfahr
confirmed that several experts in neurology agree that Terri could
improve, can improve and that everything that should be done for her
is NOT being done. In fact, Dr. Hammesfahr confirmed that the
isolation and deliberate removal of all stimulation from Terri is
harming Terri, depriving her of the input and stimulation which
would help her reach a higher cognitive level and ability. He stated
that Terri should be getting much exposure to sights, sounds and
other forms of rehabilitation.

Dr. Hammesfahr explained that Dr. Ronald Cranford (who testified for
Michael Schiavo and George Felos' side - the right to die
agenda) ... that Dr. Cranford was NOT a neurologist and was not an
expert in the field. Also, that Dr. Cranford spent less than ONE
hour with Terri totally! Yet the court relied on Dr. Cranford's
testimony, rather than several other neurologists, including Dr.
Hammesfahr. [The court was not gathering information in order to
rule based on fact, it was simply following an agenda.]

Dr. Hammesfahr explained that as a physician and a person, he is
outraged at the mistreatment Terri is receiving and that the denial
of rehabilitation for Terri violates the standards of medical
practice! He can be contacted at: William M. Hammesfahr, M.D. 600
Druid Road East Clearwater, Florida 34616 Tel: 727.461.4464 [end of
notes on the interview - Ron Panzer]

(Note from saveterrislife: Continuing with more quotes from
Neurologist Dr. William Hammesfahr regarding Terri):

"The abnormal potassium level and sugar level were found on
admission to the Emergency Room and were successfully corrected by
the hospital staff over the next several days. The patient had a
difficult hospital course with the development of poorly controlled
seizures and prolonged coma state requiring, for a time,
ventilator support. However, the staff noted improvement, and it was
recommended by several physicians that she be discharged to an
intensive rehabilitation center.
http://terrisfight.org/documents/Hammesfahrexam.htm


(Now, back to the article,
"Michael Schiavo: Loving Husband Or MONSTER?"):

Another testified that Terri's rigid neck indicates she may have
been the victim of strangulation.

(Note from saveterrislife: Also see Dr. William Hammesfahr's
Complete Report including these quotes about Terri):

"Spinal Exam: The patient's exam from a spinal perspective is
abnormal. The degree of limitation of range of motion, and of
spasms in her neck, is consistent with a neck injury. The abnormal
sensory exam, that shows evidence of her hypoxic encephalopathic
strokes (right side sensory responses are different from left) also
suggests a spinal cord injury at around the level of C4. Her
physical exam and videotapes also suggest a spinal cord injury is
also present, as she has much better control over he face, head, and
neck, than over her arms and legs. This reminds one of a person
with a spinal cord injury who has good facial control, but poor use
of arms and legs."

"It is possible that a correctable spinal abnormality such as a
herniated disk may be found that could be treated and result in
better neurological functioning. This should be looked for, as may
be treatable. Thus, there may be an injured disk or spinal cord; the
disk injury is more treatable, the spinal cord injury, if present
without a disk injury, may be more difficult to treat. A person with
a spinal cord injury and hypoxic encephalopathy will need different
treatment and rehab recommendations than one who just has a hypoxic
encephalopathic."

*** "Interestingly, I have seen this pattern of mixed brain
(cerebral) and spinal cord findings in a patient once before, a
patient who was asphyxiated." ***
http://terrisfight.org/documents/Hammesfahrexam.htm


See link to entire Complete Report by Dr. Hammesfahr, directly
below, IT IS WELL WORTH READING THE ENTIRE REPORT! Melissa)

http://terrisfight.org/documents/Hammesfahrexam.htm


(Now, back to the article, "Michael Schiavo: Loving Husband Or
Monster?"):

Psychiatrist and expert witness Carole E. Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H.
offered preliminary thoughts and provided a chilling profile of
Michael Schiavo as an abusive husband.

(Note from saveterrislife - see the following regarding the above
paragraph):

Psychiatric Expert Witness profiles Michael Schiavo
2/9/2005 10:04:00 PM - http://hyscience.typepad.com

In response to several reader's emails asking if a psychiatrist had
ever profiled Michael Schiavo's demeaner or possible psychiatric
problems, I offer the following 2004 expert witness testimony.
Mindful that this is an expert witness in behalf of the Schindler's
position and therefore prejudicial to Michael's case. However,
according to Dr. Lieberman's testimony, Michael's own psychiatrist
warned the Schindlers to call the police.

--- "Michael has been under psychiatric care, including being
prescribed several psychotropic medications. One of his treating
therapists, Dr. Peter Kaplan, told Terri's father that he should
have called the police after Michael argued with Terri's sister,
Susanne, and Michael tried to attack her. This occurred right after
Terri's collapse, when they were all in a house together. Terri's
father told Susanne to lock her door and keep a hammer nearby."



--- "Michael fits the profile of an abusive husband. He should most
definitely be investigated as the perpetrator of the `incident' that
caused Terri's collapse and her current condition."


Testimony of Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., Psychiatrist/Expert
Witness

Diplomat, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology

Clinical Faculty, UCLA Department of Psychiatry

247 South Beverly Drive, Suite 202

Beverly Hills, CA 90212


July 12, 2004


Preliminary Thoughts On How Terri Schiavo's Husband, Michael, Fits
The Profile Of A Wife Abuser.


Based upon my interviews of Terri's father, Robert Schindler, and my
research into media accounts of her case, I can provide the
following preliminary opinions at this time:


--As the author of the book, Bad Boys: Why We Love Them, How to Live
with Them and When to Leave Them, I have studied men who exhibit
pathology in their relationships with women. Profiles of the twelve
different types of bad boys are explained. Michael Schiavo fits the
profile, described in the book as the Prince of Darkness (see
chapter 13). O.J. Simpson was cited as a classic example of this
type, and there are indeed similarities between the two men. It is
especially significant to note that O.J. flew into a homicidal rage
when he realized that Nicole was totally abandoning him, as is
characteristic of these impulsive men who most dread being abandoned
by their woman. Similarly, Michael Schiavo was likely to have known
that Terri had begun making plans to divorce him, since she had told
a coworker and family member. Stalking is characteristic of this
type of man, as well. And a girlfriend of Michael's, Cindy, accused
him of stalking her in 2001.


--Terri's personality fits that of a woman who would have been
attracted (and attractive) to such a man. She was a loner as a
child. In high school she was overweight and not popular with boys.
She had low self-esteem. She was extremely compassionate, nurturing
and subservient. They met when Terri was 20 years old, and married
by the time she was 21. Such whirlwind courtships are typical of
these men, who are able to spot a vulnerable woman they can
dominate, and eager to seal her commitment to him.


Terri was frightened to object to Michael's pathologically
controlling behavior. For example, he would monitor her odometer to
control where she went. He tried to isolate her from her friends and
family. She had to account for every penny, though they often lived
on her income, since he would be fired, sometimes only after two
weeks. He would splurge on $400 suits for himself, while she had to
economize. He called her at work 3-4 times a day, often complaining
of hating his job because no one appreciated him. He was often
observed scolding her.


--Terri's family observed black and blue marks on her before the
incident that plunged her into her current state. Medical records
and/or experts have revealed that her neck injury was consistent
with strangulation. A bone scan revealed multiple fractures
occurring within 1-2 months before or after the incident, which has
been described as equivalent to her being "hit by a mack truck".
Michael has given three different explanations of how he found Terri
after the incident.




--Michael has had Terri's jewelry re-set into a ring for himself.
Terri had two beloved cats that she adopted from an animal shelter,
where they'd landed after being mistreated. When he moved in with
his girlfriend, Cindy, he had Terri's cats euthanized.
Psychologically, this is symbolic of what he is trying to do now to
Terri.


--Michael has been under psychiatric care, including being
prescribed several psychotropic medications. One of his treating
therapists, Dr. Peter Kaplan, told Terri's father that he should
have called the police after Michael argued with Terri's sister,
Susanne, and Michael tried to attack her. This occurred right after
Terri's collapse, when they were all in a house together. Terri's
father told Susanne to lock her door and keep a hammer nearby.


--As a psychiatric expert witness, I have had experience performing
psychiatric examinations of men like Michael Schiavo, and testifying
in court about similar cases. The above is simply meant to
illustrate some of the indications that Michael fits the profile of
an abusive husband. He should most definitely be investigated as the
perpetrator of the `incident' that caused Terri's collapse and her
current condition. If Terri were to be allowed to die, as Michael
has been desperately struggling to achieve for years, it could help
him escape detection. This would be a grave miscarriage of justice.


For more information, you may contact Dr. Carole Lieberman at (310)
456-2458 or via email at drcarole@....


http://hyscience.typepad.com/hyscience/2005/02/_2004_psychiatr.html

http://www.catholiccitizens.org/press/contentview.asp?c=22809

(Now, back to the article, "Michael Schiavo: Loving Husband or
Monster?"):

Prior to Terri's collapse, there were serious financial problems in
her marriage and her husband Michael tried to control her behavior.
He was fired from six jobs in two years, some of which he held only
two weeks. They often lived on her income, which Michael often spent
on himself. He monitored her odometer and isolated her from her
family and friends. On the day of her collapse, Michael and Terri
had a bad fight after he accused her of spending too much money at
the hairdresser.

Dr. Lieberman concludes: "He (Michael) should most definitely be
investigated as the perpetrator of the `incident' that caused
Terri's collapse and her current condition."

Michael Schiavo insists that Terri stated early in their marriage
that she never would want to be kept on life support.

(Note from saveterrislife: Read this about what Terri really did
say, according to her best friend):

Diane Meyer can recall only one time that her best friend, Terri
Schiavo, really got angry with her. It was in 1981, and it haunts
her still.

The recent high school graduates had just seen a television movie
about Karen Ann Quinlan, who had been in a coma since collapsing six
years earlier and was the subject of a bitter court battle over her
parents' decision to take her off a respirator. Meyer says she told
a cruel joke about Quinlan, and it set Terri off.

"She went down my throat about this joke, that it was
inappropriate," Meyer says. She remembers Terri saying she wondered
how the doctors and lawyers could possibly know what Quinlan was
really feeling or what she would want.

"Where there's life," Meyer recalls her saying, "there's hope."

Twenty-two years later and suffering from brain damage, Terri is now
the subject of a similar debate -- and so is the question of what
choice she would make about her life and death.)

(Now, back to the article):


Michael Schiavo insists that Terri stated early in their marriage
that she never would want to be kept on life support.

Even if that were true, Terri is not on life support; she breathes
on her own. Since Terri has no written will, everything Michael
Schiavo says is hearsay. He violated numerous Florida statutes and
the Americans for Disabilities Act by failing to perform his duties
as his wife's guardian, most notably by denying his disabled wife
basic medical care as part of a malpractice settlement award he
received.

(Note from saveterrislife: See the following):
Petition to Remove Guardian
http://terrisfight.org/documents/PetitiontoRemoveGuardian111502.htm

(Also, see):
Violations of Florida Statutes against Terri Schiavo
http://www.zimp.org/

(Now, back to the article):

However, of all Michael's offensive actions against his wife, what I
deem most suspicious was his decision to have Terri cremated
immediately upon her demise. (Note from saveterrislife: One of
Michael Schiavo's attorneys, Deborah Bushnell, in a motion to the
court, asked for permission to use funds from the money set aside
solely for Terri's therapy and medical needs, to pre-pay for Terri's
cremation and burial expenses and corrupt Judge Greer okayed it!
See quotes below regarding this):

WorldNetDaily has reported Michael Schiavo won more than $1.2
million in 1992 that was to be earmarked for Terri's care and
therapy but was never spent for that purpose.

Felos told reporters yesterday the sum in Terri's trust fund had
been whittled down to $55,000. While he and Michael Schiavo's other
attorney, Deborah Bushnell, say they haven't been paid in over a
year, Felos was previously paid $358,434 out of the fund. Bushnell
told the St. Petersburg Times she had been paid approximately
$80,000 from the fund.

In a move that horrified Terri's family last year, Bushnell also
filed a petition with probate Judge George Greer seeking
authorization of pre-payment for Terri's cremation and burial
expenses out of the fund.

Pat Anderson, the attorney representing Terri's parents, Robert and
Mary Schindler, has filed multiple petitions seeking the removal of
Michael Schiavo as Terri's guardian and chief decision maker. Among
her arguments, she claims Michael Schiavo misspent the medical
funds.

"While exhausting Terri's money for the purpose of killing her, not
one red cent could be found by Schiavo to enhance the quality of her
life after receipt of the malpractice award. ... [A]nd the
expenditure of nothing for therapy that would reduce the pain of
contractures, enhance Terri's ability to swallow, or facilitate
recovery of basic abilities is the grossest form of asset
mismanagement," Anderson stated in a petition filed and rejected by
Greer last November.

WorldNetDaily has reported Terri sustained brain damage when she
mysteriously collapsed in 1990 at the age of 26 and oxygen was cut
to her brain for several minutes. The Schindlers have been fighting
with their son-in-law for 10 years over the fate of their daughter.
He contends his wife is in a persistent vegetative state and told
him once she would not want to be kept alive artificially. The
Schindlers argue Terri is alert, responsive and vocalizes and
maintain she wants to live. She has no written directive on the
matter.

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35258

(Now, back to the article):
In all the documentation on this case, there is not a single account
of Terri Schiavo having ever expressed a desire to be cremated.
Michael's excuse is to say that she wouldn't want a standard burial
because she "doesn't like bugs." I'm not buying. The likely reason
is that Michael has something to hide – like the cause of her
numerous bone injuries, perhaps? – and he doesn't want an autopsy to
uncover any incriminating evidence.

(Note from saveterrislife - see the bone scan showing serious trauma
to Terri, done 53 weeks after her husband, Michael Schiavo, severely
beat and strangled her, as well as injected her with insulin, per
all of the evidence. He also sealed all her medical records for
well over 10 years so Terri's family did not even find out about the
bone scan and Terri's severe injuries such as broken bones all over
her body as well as a head injury until recently!):
http://terrisfight.org/images/bonescan.jpg

So, what really happened on February 25, 1990? We know that Terri
fell in her home and sustained serious injuries. We know that
Michael Schiavo, who was trained in CPR, oddly did not administer
CPR to his wife. We know for the past fifteen years his only mission
has been to deny any rehabilitation for Terri.

Dr. Carole Lieberman observed, "If Terri were to be allowed to die,
as Michael has been desperately struggling to achieve for years, it
could help him escape detection. This would be a grave miscarriage
of justice."

That's exactly the way Michael Schiavo and the Florida judicial
system want it.


Bonnie Rogoff is the founder of Jews For Life, a pro-life,
politically conservative organization. She is an accomplished
pianist, singer, songwriter and librarian. Ms. Rogoff's columns are
featured on a number of political websites, including GOPUSA,
Intellectual Conservative, Opinion Editorials and American Daily.
She resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband David. Bonnie
welcomes your comments and feedback.


Send Feedback To Bonnie Chernin Rogoff
http://americandaily.com/author/120#feedbackpoint



Note from Melissa/saveterrislife):
Complete article titled
"Michael Schiavo: Loving Husband Or MONSTER?"
in its entirety without all of the links I added:
http://www.americandaily.com/article/6885