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Judge Denies Michael's Bid to Block New Info on Potential Abuse of Terri Schiavo

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November20, 2003

Pinellas Park, FL (LifeNews.com) -- A judge rejected an attempt by Michael Schiavo to block the discovery of new information that could be used to replace him as guardian. Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, hope new information can be gathered to prove whether or not Terri was a victim of physical abuse that led to her collapse.

The Schindlers have filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Michael, terri's estranged husband, as her guardian and replace him with her brother Bob Schindler, Jr.

They are hoping to uncover new information pointing to the need to change guardianship -- including questioning the radiologist who conducted a bone scan on Terri in March 1991 that showed she was possibly a victim of physical abuse.

Attorneys for Michael, including assisted suicide advocate George Felos and the ACLU, filed a motion to stay all discovery of new information in the Schindler v. Schiavo lawsuit. They claimed allowing discovery to proceed would prevent Michael's access to the courts.

"This attempt by Michael Schiavo's lawyers to thwart the discovery of important and previously undiscovered evidence speaks volumes," said Pat Anderson, attorney for the Schindler family. "They appear to be scared of the truth coming out."

Sixth District Circuit Court Judge Crockett Farnell granted the stay without a hearing and ordered that "none of the parties to this case shall engage in any actions, including discovery, until after Judge George Greer has ruled on the Fourth Motion to Disqualify Judge."

The Schindlers have filed another motion to dismiss Judge Greer as the lead judge in the case.

They say Greer, who approved the order to remove Terri's feeding tube, has been colluding with Felos and appointed an "impartial" doctor to assess Terri's condition whose brother had previously worked with Felos.

Amazingly, Farnell reversed himself only a short time later.

Farnell conducted an emergency hearing less than an hour after issuing his first order where he vacated his previously issued stay of discovery.

Anderson argued that the motion to dismiss Greer should have no bearing on the case to have Michael removed from guardianship.

"Today's actions prove that every attempt is being made to delay proceedings in this case and hasten Terri's death," Anderson added. "However, we will continue to fight for Terri's life and make sure that all of the facts in this case are fully explored."

Related web sites:
Terri's family -- http://www.terrisfight.org