Terri’s sister, Suzanne Vitadamo, recalls her relationship with Michael Schaivo and one experience in particular

My experiences with Michael Schiavo have always been unpleasant, and we never really were able to get along. I always remembered him as a mean and nasty person, but one instance stands out in my head that has made a lasting impression on me.   Michael and my parents rented a home together in order to care for Terri within the first two years after Terri’s collapse.  I lived with them for a short period of time.    

One day Michael and I got into an argument.  I don't remember the specifics of what the argument was about, but I do remember that he went from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds.  Michael started to lunge toward me and I thought that he was going to punch me in the face.  I'm 5'3" and Michael is 6'6".  My father had to step between us before he got to me.  I remember how terrified I was and began to run away from him.  The house was very large so I had room to run. My parents and I were very disturbed and I was extremely frightened not ever having experienced that side of him.

My father phoned his doctor after that and reported the incident to him.  Michael was seeing a psychiatrist at the time.    His doctor told my father that he was on medication, anti-depressants at the time, and that the next time he has that type of episode to call the police. 

From that day on, my father had me sleep with my bedroom door locked and a hammer under my pillow.  Shortly thereafter, I moved out anxious and not wanting to ever experience Michael’s extreme temper again.