Replies

SomeCallMeTim wrote:
"However, what I just don't understand is... If her parents want to continue care, what's it to him? Let them. Let go and move on with your life. But, he appears hell-bent to see this through. THAT, I simply don't understand."

There are apparently two answers.

Initially, it was for the money: As Guardian Ad Litem Pearse noted, Michael's attitude toward her care changed dramatically when he stood to inherit a fortune upon her death. After the big malpractice award was paid, he suddenly "remembered" that she had said she wouldn't want to live like that, and he began trying to get her killed.

But he claims that he has now spent most of that fortune on legal expenses. He's offered no proof of that, but lets assume he is telling the truth about it. If so, then he apparently no longer has a financial motive. Why, then, not let her parents care for her?

Well, it seems that in the process of fighting the Schindlers over whether to kill Terri, he has developed a deep hatred of them. So, now he has another reason for trying to kill Terri: he's doing it out of spite. He wants to kill her because he wants to hurt her family, who he hates.

That's very nearly what Michael Schiavo, himself, said, in a moment of candor, when deposed in 1999:

September 27, 1999 Deposition of Michael Schiavo, Page 48-49
Q. Have you considered turning the guardianship over to Mr. and Mrs. Schindler?
SCHIAVO: No, I have not.
Q. And why?
SCHIAVO: I think that's pretty self explanatory.
Q. I'd like to hear your answer.
SCHIAVO: Basically I don't want to do it.
Q. And why don't you want to do it?
SCHIAVO: Because they put me through pretty much hell the last few years.
Q. And can you describe what you mean by hell?
SCHIAVO: The litigations they put me through.
Q. Any other specifics besides the litigation?
SCHIAVO: Just their attitude towards me because of the litigations. There is no other reason. I'm Terri's husband and I will remain guardian.

Line 21
Mr. Felos: There may be a question or two of clarification. Can I have just a minute to talk with my client?
...
Page 51, Cross Examination by Attorney Felos
Q. You were also asked a question about resigning as guardian or would you consider that. Upon reflection, is there anything that you want to add in response to that question?
SCHIAVO: Yeah. Another reason would be that her parents wouldn't carry out her wishes.