CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The sentencing of serial killer Michael Madison went into recess Thursday after the father of one of his three victims lunged across a table and tried to grab Madison.

Panic alarms were triggered throughout the Cuyahoga County Justice Center after Van Terry, father of Shirellda Terry, turned from the podium where he was speaking, leapt across the table and grappled at Madison's face.

Minutes earlier, Madison was given a death sentence by Common Pleas Judge Nancy R. McDonnell for killing three women.

Van Terry was removed from the courtroom along with another man caught in the struggle near the back of the packed courtroom. Other family members and spectators wept at the scene as Cuyahoga County sheriff's deputies flooded into the courtroom.

Terry's sister, Sonya Richardson, later explained the emotional outburst.

Shirellda Terry, 18, was the last victim Madison claimed before he was arrested on July 19, 2013.

This story is developing and will be updated. Video will be added shortly.