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Episode 338 - Sword and Scale | Wave AI Podcast Notes

Episode 338

Fri Feb 06 2026

In East Cleveland, Ohio, Diane Madison - a mother and grandmother - was also a woman remembered fondly by her neighbors. In 2019, she woke to a knife at her throat, and the assailant was her very own grandson, Jalen Plummer. Years earlier, another...

Summary

Sword and Scale – Episode 338 Summary

Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Sword and Scale
Theme: Generational violence, legacy of abuse, and the chilling realities of two intersecting Cleveland murder cases within one family.

Episode Overview

This episode explores a deeply disturbing family legacy of violence in East Cleveland, Ohio. It traces the 2019 murder of Diane Madison by her grandson, Jaylen Plummer, and uncovers how her own son, Michael Madison, became one of Cleveland’s most notorious serial killers just years prior. Through gripping 911 calls, survivor interviews, and interrogation audio, the episode paints a chilling portrait of generational trauma, systemic failures, and the dark ripple effects of unchecked mental illness and abuse.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening: A Night of Horror in Cleveland

Setting: Collinwood neighborhood, East Cleveland, June 21-22, 2019—summer solstice, “when some say the veil between this dimension and the others is the thinnest” (04:21).
Crime: Two 10-year-old girls are stabbed and narrowly escape their home, calling 911 with remarkable composure as they seek help for themselves and their cousin.
911 Call Highlights:
- The girls struggle to communicate their address and remain conscious despite life-threatening injuries.
- A neighbor allows the blood-soaked children into her home, staying calm and focused even as her own asthma flares up (11:34).

“Hey, wake up, baby. Hey, wake up, baby.” – Unnamed neighbor, urging the girls to stay conscious (11:56)

2. First Responders Arrive

Emergency Response: Slow but urgent, responders guide the neighbors in first aid.
Victims: The girls had escaped from their grandmother Diane Madison’s house. Another child, Justin (12, autistic), remained trapped inside unaware he was also wounded.

“Justin was trapped in an upstairs bedroom and didn’t even know he was injured.” – Host (18:17)

Perpetrator: Their cousin Jaylen Plummer (18), who had stabbed approximately his entire family and was caught in the shower attempting to wash away evidence.

“Jalen Plummer was fully clothed, standing under the shower. The blood from his own knife wounds swirled into the drain.” – Host (19:15)

3. Tragic Backstory: The Madison Family Tree

Jaylen’s Motive: Cites mental health issues and the “mental health care system failed me, so I tried to kill my family.”
Systemic Failure: Healthcare, legal, and familial interventions had all fallen short for Jaylen as his mental health cratered prior to the killing spree.
Family Trauma:
- Diane Madison, lauded in her community as loving and open-hearted, had a troubled past.
- Her son, Michael Madison—Jaylen’s uncle—was, just a few years earlier, arrested and convicted as a serial killer.
- The episode delves into Michael’s background, including years of abuse and neglect allegedly suffered at Diane’s hands.

“Maybe Diane Madison wasn’t just a grandmother. She was a mother of one of the most notorious killers in Cleveland’s history.” – Host (31:01)

4. The Michael Madison Case: Echoes of Violence

Serial Murders: Michael Madison’s crimes included at least three women murdered, raped, and disposed of in garbage bags in and around East Cleveland (2013).
Investigation and Arrest: After neighbors report a "dead animal smell," police discover decomposing bodies and evidence linking Michael to the crimes.
Interrogation Footage: Michael offers rambling philosophical musings and barely veiled admissions, painting himself as a misunderstood victim.

“You could be the man right now. Let’s do it. Mike.” – Interrogator (53:22) “I’m numb. I’m truly numb. Truly numb, truly numb. I’m not expecting to be hurt, you know?” – Michael Madison (49:50)

Abuse & Motive: Defense at trial argues Michael was shaped into a killer by extreme childhood abuse and neglect from Diane—allegations that overshadowed her posthumous reputation.

5. Parallel Trauma and Violence

Generational Echoes:
- Both Michael and Jaylen claim grievances rooted in traumatic upbringings and familial abuse, focusing their violence on women.
- The episode ponders if this “house of horror” is cursed, or if the true horror is how trauma begets trauma when systems fail.

“A man’s manhood should never be compromised when it comes to a female who’s never been a man.” – Michael Madison (60:29)

Society’s Role: Critique of mental health and social service systems, the stigma around male trauma, and the consequences of ignoring warning signs.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Resilience Amid Horror:

“Despite her own problems, this woman wasn’t going to let two little girls slip into unconsciousness. I mean, if I needed somebody to bring me back, I’d want this lady. She goes hard.” – Host, on the neighbor’s handling of the situation (11:42)
Shock at the Scene:

“Oh, my goodness. This girl is stabbed up real bad.” – Neighbor to 911 (13:03) “In the immortal words of this Ohioan, oh, my goodness, this was Cleveland. But even our seasoned veteran here hadn't seen anything like this before.” – Host (17:05)
Reflection on the System:

“Did Jaylen inherit the same demons that haunted Michael? Was this demonic possession some sort of poltergeist in this house of horror? Or do we accept a more rational explanation?...Did the systems America has in place fail both these men? ...In the end, does it all really matter anyway? It should.” – Host (72:39)
Courtroom Emotion:

“He was laughing when she gave him the death penalty.” – Sherelda Terry’s aunt, on Michael's behavior during sentencing (67:08)
On the Execution System:

"They can put dogs and cats to sleep all day long...But they can't get the cocktail right for humans. ...Doesn’t sound very democratic, does it?" – Host (68:28)

Key Segments & Timestamps

Intro & 911 Calls: [04:20–17:52]
Rescue and House Discovery: [17:53–21:27]
Jaylen’s Motive and Mental Health: [24:33–30:46]
Family & Michael Madison Backstory: [30:46–44:27]
Michael Madison Interrogation: [44:27–60:34]
Investigation & Additional Victims: [60:34–64:03]
Trial and Community Reaction: [64:12–67:07]
Death Penalty Commentary & Societal Questions: [67:07–74:22]

Conclusion

Episode 338 delivers a haunting narrative of how cycles of violence and trauma can devastate families and communities across generations. Through firsthand recordings, chilling interviews, and unflinching reconstruction, it questions whether monsters are born, made, or both—and whether society has any real answers or willpower to intervene before tragedy strikes again.

A chilling listen that brings to life Cleveland’s darkest true crime legacy—an episode that stands as a warning and a lament.

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Transcript

A (0:00)

Sword and Scale contains adult themes and violence and is not intended for all audiences.

B (0:06)

Listener discretion is advised. A man's man should never be compromised when it comes to a female who's never been a man.

A (0:24)

Come take a load off. Put your feet up and listen to some murder. What a stupid thing to say. This is season 13, episode 33038 of Sword and Scale, a show that reveals that the worst monsters are real. If you're a fan of true crime, I invite you to check out our brand new YouTube channel where you could subscribe the opposite way you can on our website. See, on our website you can subscribe for 10 bucks for audio and then add video for another 10 bucks on top of that. On YouTube you can start with video and add audio. So, you know, take your pick. This is just gonna complicate things, isn't it? Oh, well, fuck my life. Most people don't actually need more caffeine. They need their energy to last. That's why I want to tell you about Strong Coffee company Strong Coffee is premium instant coffee built for focus and endurance, not spikes and crashes. Their black blend tastes like real coffee, but Each serving includes 15 grams of protein, MCTS for sustained energy and adaptogens like Ashwagandha and L theanine that help keep you calm and mentally clear. What that means in real life is simple. You feel alert, steady and focused for hours, without the jitters, without the drop off. It's coffee that actually works with your brain instead of pushing it too hard. They also make lattes if you want something creamier, with added protein and healthy fats. But everything they do is built around the same clean energy, mental clarity and productivity that lasts. If you're tired of coffee that burns out halfway through the day, this is a smarter alternative. I've arranged the highest discount they offer 20% off. Go to strongcoffeecompany.com and use promo code S W O R D at checkout. It's just after midnight in 2019 during the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. This isn't some mumbo jumbo new age crap. It's when the sun is furthest from the equator. And it's a time when some say the veil between this dimension and the others is the thinnest. Okay, so maybe there is a little New age wisdom. The most important point, though, is that it's Ohio, the state that's becoming quite popular around here for some reason. So it's June 21st in East Cleveland. Believe it or not, there are posh Areas in Cleveland so that some of you savages can pretend to be people. This isn't one of them. It's not a picturesque skyline by the lake or the downtown area lit up with nightlife. It's Collinwood, a working class neighborhood that feels like it's part of a bygone era, part of the Rust Belt. The houses are small and modest, but nice enough. And the lawns are mowed. There's just enough space in the backyard for a barbecue. Ah, Americana. A small, white Cape Cod style home faces a narrow street called Chickasaw Avenue. It's a mild but humid evening. No wind is blowing and it's dark. Windows stay open in most homes and the people inside are asleep, the fans humming in the background. But on this street, as June 21st turns to the 22nd, something bad is happening.

A (21:45)

What Justin didn't know was that his grandmother died almost immediately after being stabbed by his brother in her bedroom. They found Diane Madison dead of multiple stab wounds, including one that completely severed her carotid artery. And the little dog he was referring to was sitting on the bed in the same spot where he'd been sleeping peacefully next to his owner. Now, with a look of bewilderment, the dog wasn't alone. Almost everyone who knew Jalen Plummer was bewildered. No one could yet explain why a college bound teenager, quiet, smart and planning to study pharmacology, had suddenly turned into a violent killer. But there were cracks long before that night. This wasn't just one terrible night. It was the unveiling of a legacy that had been building long before Jalen had ever picked up a knife. Let's talk about something most people don't think about until it's too late. If you drink, even occasionally, you already know how unpredictable the next morning can be. 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If your skin looks tired and you want it to look stronger, smoother and genuinely radiant, again, this is worth your attention. I've arranged the highest discount they offer. 21% off. Go to loveindus.com and use promo code SWORD at checkout. That's loveindus.com promo code SWORD for 21% off. Alright, let's continue. Some people still want a drink at the end of the day, but just not the alcohol part. That's where Good feels fits in. Good Feels makes THC infused cannabis seltzers designed to be light, consistent and easy to enjoy. No hangover, no heaviness, just a calm, lifted feeling that doesn't take over your night. They're made with natural ingredients and formulated to feel balanced whether you're relaxing at home or out with friends. It's a simple alternative if alcohol isn't doing you any favors anymore. And right now you can get 20% off at shop.getgoodfeels.com with promo code sword21 and over only please. That's shop.getgoodfeels.Com and use promo code sword for 20% off. On June 22, 2019, in East Cleveland's South Collinwood neighborhood, police responded to a bloody scene on Chickasaw Avenue. Two 10 year old girls escaped, escaped their home, reporting they'd been stabbed in their sleep. When officers got to the house, they found a third victim, a 12 year old autistic boy who confirmed that his brother was the killer. 18 year old Jaylen Plummer was in the shower rinsing off blood after stabbing the entire household in a bedroom. His grandmother, Diane Madison, lay dead from multiple stab wounds and her little dog also laid nearby. Jaylen offered only a chilling explanation. The mental health care system failed me, so I tried to kill my family. Signs of mental illness seemed obvious when Jaylen was taken to the hospital and questioned. Nurses bandaged the deep cuts on his hands, but it was as if his voice was bound just as tightly. His muffled words barely escaped. He spoke in vague, detached terms, referring to his siblings as child number one and child number two. He claimed he didn't know the names of his mother and grandmother and said he just called them mommy or grandma. His mother, Tania Plummer, would later tell detectives that Jaylen had no official diagnosis, but his behavior had drastically changed between the ages of 12 and 15. He'd been drinking, smoking, shutting down and fixating on dark things. She had just decided to get him into therapy. But here's what Jaylen's mother didn't want to say. She remembered that his behavior had started to change around the time of another arrest. Police already knew the name that would leave her lips. This was a man from the same city, a serial killer that had haunted Cleveland and was arrested and convicted during Jaylen's crucial adolescent years. It seemed possible this disturbed Jaylen so much that he became fascinated with killing and ultimately exploded in a murderous fit that night, leaving his grand grandmother dead. Diane was a loving, kind person, and I think sometimes that gets lost. Almost all of us who worked with her remained friends with her afterward. That's the kind of person she was. She was the kind of person others felt comfortable with because they knew she'd been through it. They knew she was the first to sympathize. She was always open to hearing about everybody's hard times because God knows she'd had enough of her own.

A (55:26)

Michael barely flinched. He had admitted to having dates to his apartment and getting so shitfaced that he didn't remember them leaving. He confessed to putting his hands around one of the women's necks and awakening to find a body in the garbage bag. That's bad. But even now, when confronted with more evidence and yet another body, he deflected. The detectives were running out of patience. And now they didn't just want to know why he killed. They wanted to know how many more dead women would be found and where they were located. There's a moment at the end of the day when everything finally shuts off. The lights are low, the house is quiet, and the only thing that really matters is how comfortable you are. That's what Cozy Earth does so well. Their bamboo sheet set, made from bamboo viscose, is known for its incredibly soft and natural cooling, especially if you sleep hot. The fabric drapes well, gets softer over time, and actually helps you stay comfortable throughout the night. They also make pajamas that feel just as good. Designed for those nights when you're not going anywhere and you don't want to rush anything. Cozy Earth backs everything with a hundred night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty, which tells you how confident they are in their quality. You can get 41% off cozyearth.com with promo code SWORD. So go get comfortable today and use promo code SWORD@cozyearth.com for 41% off. When they found the first body in East Cleveland in 2013, it was a trash bag in a garage. The neighbors had smelled something. By the time the police arrived, the case was already strange. The suspect, Michael Madison, was calm. He denied everything and admitted only Enough to seem helpful. One woman he said was dead, but he hadn't killed her. He found her in a bag. He just moved her. That's all he claimed. But the evidence was there. They still didn't have a clear motive, though. Only a suspect who talked in metaphors and acted like a victim all the time. This victim was also a father of two and a stepfather to one quiet teenager named Jaylen, who years later would erupt into his own kind of violence in the same house on Chickasaw Avenue. The violence from both men was directed only at women. The women who raised Michael and her grandson Jalen and three other innocent women who just happened to cross the wrong path.

A (60:34)

It was a simple but disturbing statement. In that one sentence, Michael revealed a cracked mirror of identity, pride, and resentment against women. In 2025 especially, it's not unusual to hear the voices of frustration from men who feel diminished in relationships and society at large. Still, his words, though wrapped in philosophical language, revealed a specific grievance. This was a man whose sense of self had been shaped and maybe shattered by the women around him. Still, nothing could justify the brutality that followed. He never offered a formal confession, not in so many words, but he did Give what experts call a functional confession. That's when a suspect doesn't technically admit guilt, but their behavior shows it. They lead police to evidence only the killer would know. They describe crime scenes in detail. They help close the loop. Think of Ted Bundy, who helped investigators find remains even years after denying some of his murders. Or Israel Keyes, who mapped out the burial site of one of his victims despite refusing to name all of his crimes. It's not in what they say, it's in what they do. Michael finally took detectives to the bodies. The first was Shirelda Terry, the body found in the garage. The young girl just starting her life. Next was 28 year old Shatisha Shealy, who had a daughter. Her body was discovered in a brush pile near the garage behind Michael's apartment. It was bound in layers of heavy trash bags, the same method used for the other victims. Forensic examination was limited due to decomposition, but there were signs of trauma and possible strangulation. Shatisha had bruises on her face and her clothing had ligature marks. Last to be found was 38 year old Angela Deskins. She was discovered days after the first body in a musty basement of an abandoned house near Michael's apartment. Angela was a quiet woman with a soft voice, trying to piece her life back together. Together. She had once worked as a hairdresser, someone who brought beauty to others. But she struggled to get by and pull her own life together. Someone introduced her to Michael. He seemed somewhat safe enough and had a calm personality. That was all it took. June 7th.

A (69:35)

This killer didn't just kill out of nowhere. His crimes were monstrous, but they happened after unresolved festering thoughts from a long and tangled legacy of suffering. Then you add the alcohol and possibly drugs, and poof. You get a sword and scale episode. Lucky you. Decades later, in a cramped Cleveland apartment, a young Michael was beaten, locked in closets, humiliated, and allegedly forced to eat feces by the very person who was supposed to protect him, his mother, Diane Madison, a woman the public celebrated after her death. Later, he was allegedly sexually abused by one of her boyfriends. Michael felt emotionally discarded and shoved through the cracks of a system that barely noticed he was falling. Then came Tania Plummer, the mother of his child, who, according to Michael, belittled him and called him less than a man. A man's manhood, he said, should never be compromised by a female who's never been a man. That quote may sound absurd on the surface, but beneath it lies a cold bit of truth, one that points to a deeper identity crisis, especially among men raised in trauma by women who are in trauma themselves. It's a warped belief, born in pain and shaped by powerlessness. It's an endless loop. I don't know how the fuck we get out of. Do you have any ideas? And then came Jaylen, Diane's grandson, the quiet boy who watched all of this unfold who once lived under the same roof as Michael. In 2019, Jalen, just 18 years old, would creep into Diane Madison's home and stab her to death in her own bed. He didn't just kill her, he nearly decapitated her. He pleaded guilty in 2021 and is serving a life sentence with eligibility for parole in 30 years. His brother, sister, cousin, and sad little dog all survived the incident and remained in the care of their mother, Tania Plummer. So here is the question. Did Jaylen inherit the same demons that haunted Michael? Was this demonic possession some sort of poltergeist in this house of horror? Or do we accept a more rational explanation? Did Jalen learn violence by watching his uncle in and out of his life, bringing stories of abuse and death with him? Did Diane really change into the person neighbors claimed? Or did the darkness inside that house simply go unnoticed until it exploded again? Did the systems America has in place fail both of these men? Or did society simply stop asking the hard questions and stop doing the hard things once the bodies were found? In the end, does it all really matter anyway? It should. We all have this feeling in the back of our mind that it should. We should do better at raising all of our children. We should have a safer and happier and more mentally sound civilization. It started with the allegations of abuse at the hands of one woman. Two men carried it forward, and three innocent women, in addition to Diane herself paid the ultimate price. Not one of them deserved to die. That's going to do it this week. Thank you for joining us. I invite you to go check out our latest episode of sword and scale television entitled Home. Easily one of the most fucked up things you'll ever see. I promise.