Walter E. Ellis
Milwaukee Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TIME PERIOD
1986-2007
VICTIMS
7 confirmed
Walter E. Ellis, known as The Milwaukee North Side Strangler, was an American serial killer and rapist who murdered at least seven women in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, between October 10, 1986, and April 27, 2007. The crimes were initially thought to be unrelated until DNA evidence linked them in May 2009, leading to Ellis's arrest on September 7, 2009. He was convicted in February 2011 on seven counts of first-degree intentional homicide and is currently serving seven consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Significant evidence included DNA profiling that connected Ellis to the crime scenes, ultimately leading to his identification and conviction.
Walter E. Ellis is believed to have committed his first murder in 1986, and some speculate that he may have been responsible for additional unsolved cases, potentially bringing the total number of his victims to over ten. Investigators theorize that his pattern of targeting vulnerable women in Milwaukee may indicate a specific psychological profile, suggesting a deep-seated need for control and power. There is also speculation about whether Ellis had accomplices or if he was inspired by other local crimes during his active years.
The Dark Legacy of Walter E. Ellis: The Milwaukee North Side Strangler
Walter Earl Ellis, born on June 24, 1960, in Holmes County, Mississippi, would eventually come to be known as the Milwaukee North Side Strangler—a name etched in infamy due to his brutal crimes. Over two decades, between 1986 and 2007, Ellis terrorized Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a series of horrific murders that left at least seven women dead. These crimes, initially thought to be isolated incidents, were eventually linked through the advancement of DNA profiling, leading to Ellis's arrest on September 7, 2009. His conviction in February 2011 resulted in seven consecutive life sentences, ensuring he would never walk free again.
Early Life
Walter E. Ellis was the fourth of six children born to LeRoy and Mattie Ellis. The family moved from Mississippi to Milwaukee in the mid-1960s, seeking better opportunities. However, young Ellis soon exhibited troubling behavior. He was impulsive, aggressive, and frequently involved in physical altercations with peers, earning a reputation as a local bully. His academic journey ended abruptly when he dropped out of school in 1974 after completing only the eighth grade. The reasons were clear: he struggled academically and was habitually absent, turning instead to a path of crime.
A Criminal Path Unfolds
Ellis's brush with the law began early. At 14, he faced his first arrest for robbery and attempted murder, though he only received a fine due to his minor status. Over the next few years, he was arrested multiple times for theft, yet managed to evade severe punishment. In 1978, a robbery conviction led to four years of probation. His encounters with law enforcement continued, with charges ranging from drug possession to extortion. Despite his attempts to find legitimate work after a brief prison stint in 1985, Ellis fell back into criminal activities.
In 1986, a run-in with the police for disturbing public order led to a seven-month jail term. Ellis's criminal endeavors escalated in complexity, including involvement in drug trafficking with the gang "The Brothers of the Struggle." By 1990, his criminal record was extensive enough to warrant a federal prison sentence. Released in 1992, Ellis found himself back in trouble, violating parole and eventually becoming a police informant—a status that shielded him from further legal repercussions despite repeated offenses.
The Murders
The terror began on October 10, 1986, with the strangulation of 31-year-old Deborah L. Harris, whose body was found in a river. Just a day later, 19-year-old Tanya L. Miller was also strangled. Over the next two decades, Ellis's victims included Irene Smith, Florence McCormick, Sheila Farrior, Joyce Ann Mims, and Ouithreaun C. Stokes, all of whom met a similar grisly fate. Another suspected victim was Carron D. Kilpatrick, though charges against another suspect were dropped. Jessica Payne's murder differed as she died from a throat slash, leading prosecutors to hesitate in charging Ellis despite DNA links.
The Breakthrough
In May 2009, Milwaukee police reexamined cold cases involving the murders of seven women. DNA analysis revealed a single perpetrator. A major breakthrough occurred when it was discovered that Ellis's required DNA sample was missing from the Justice Department's records. An arrest warrant was issued after he failed to provide a sample voluntarily. In a twist of fate, a toothbrush from his apartment provided the DNA needed to connect him to the murders.
Arrest and Trial
Ellis's arrest on September 7, 2009, occurred at a Franklin motel where he was holding his girlfriend, Tressie Johnson, against her will. His capture ended a reign of terror that had haunted Milwaukee for years. With the evidence stacked against him, Ellis initially pleaded not guilty. However, facing overwhelming DNA evidence, he accepted a plea deal in February 2011, admitting to the murders. This led to his sentencing of seven life terms without parole.
Wrongful Convictions
Ellis's arrest and subsequent confessions had significant legal ramifications. Chaunte Dean Ott, wrongly convicted of Jessica Payne's murder, was exonerated and released after 14 years. Similarly, William Avery, convicted for the murder of Maryetta Griffin, was also exonerated, highlighting a miscarriage of justice.
Death
After his conviction, Ellis was transferred to the South Dakota State Penitentiary. His health rapidly declined, and he was diagnosed with diabetes. On December 1, 2013, Walter E. Ellis died from complications related to the disease, closing the final chapter of his life at 53.
Sources
- CBS News Report on Ellis's Sentencing
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Articles
- CNN and Other News Reports
- Fox News on Ellis's Death
This chilling tale of Walter E. Ellis serves as a grim reminder of the darkness that can lurk within a community, and the relentless pursuit of justice that eventually brings such darkness to light.
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First Known Murder
Deborah L. Harris is strangled and dumped in the river.
Last Known Murder
Ouithreaun C. Stokes is found strangled, marking the last known victim.
DNA Links Murders
Milwaukee police link seven cold case murders to a single perpetrator via DNA analysis.
Arrest of Walter Ellis
Walter Ellis is arrested at a motel, suspected of being the serial killer.
Sentencing
Walter Ellis is sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences without parole.
Death of Walter Ellis
Walter Ellis dies due to complications from diabetes while serving his sentence.
Walter E. Ellis, known as The Milwaukee North Side Strangler, was an American serial killer and rapist who murdered at least seven women in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, between October 10, 1986, and April 27, 2007. The crimes were initially thought to be unrelated until DNA evidence linked them in May 2009, leading to Ellis's arrest on September 7, 2009. He was convicted in February 2011 on seven counts of first-degree intentional homicide and is currently serving seven consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Significant evidence included DNA profiling that connected Ellis to the crime scenes, ultimately leading to his identification and conviction.
Walter E. Ellis is believed to have committed his first murder in 1986, and some speculate that he may have been responsible for additional unsolved cases, potentially bringing the total number of his victims to over ten. Investigators theorize that his pattern of targeting vulnerable women in Milwaukee may indicate a specific psychological profile, suggesting a deep-seated need for control and power. There is also speculation about whether Ellis had accomplices or if he was inspired by other local crimes during his active years.
The Dark Legacy of Walter E. Ellis: The Milwaukee North Side Strangler
Walter Earl Ellis, born on June 24, 1960, in Holmes County, Mississippi, would eventually come to be known as the Milwaukee North Side Strangler—a name etched in infamy due to his brutal crimes. Over two decades, between 1986 and 2007, Ellis terrorized Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a series of horrific murders that left at least seven women dead. These crimes, initially thought to be isolated incidents, were eventually linked through the advancement of DNA profiling, leading to Ellis's arrest on September 7, 2009. His conviction in February 2011 resulted in seven consecutive life sentences, ensuring he would never walk free again.
Early Life
Walter E. Ellis was the fourth of six children born to LeRoy and Mattie Ellis. The family moved from Mississippi to Milwaukee in the mid-1960s, seeking better opportunities. However, young Ellis soon exhibited troubling behavior. He was impulsive, aggressive, and frequently involved in physical altercations with peers, earning a reputation as a local bully. His academic journey ended abruptly when he dropped out of school in 1974 after completing only the eighth grade. The reasons were clear: he struggled academically and was habitually absent, turning instead to a path of crime.
A Criminal Path Unfolds
Ellis's brush with the law began early. At 14, he faced his first arrest for robbery and attempted murder, though he only received a fine due to his minor status. Over the next few years, he was arrested multiple times for theft, yet managed to evade severe punishment. In 1978, a robbery conviction led to four years of probation. His encounters with law enforcement continued, with charges ranging from drug possession to extortion. Despite his attempts to find legitimate work after a brief prison stint in 1985, Ellis fell back into criminal activities.
In 1986, a run-in with the police for disturbing public order led to a seven-month jail term. Ellis's criminal endeavors escalated in complexity, including involvement in drug trafficking with the gang "The Brothers of the Struggle." By 1990, his criminal record was extensive enough to warrant a federal prison sentence. Released in 1992, Ellis found himself back in trouble, violating parole and eventually becoming a police informant—a status that shielded him from further legal repercussions despite repeated offenses.
The Murders
The terror began on October 10, 1986, with the strangulation of 31-year-old Deborah L. Harris, whose body was found in a river. Just a day later, 19-year-old Tanya L. Miller was also strangled. Over the next two decades, Ellis's victims included Irene Smith, Florence McCormick, Sheila Farrior, Joyce Ann Mims, and Ouithreaun C. Stokes, all of whom met a similar grisly fate. Another suspected victim was Carron D. Kilpatrick, though charges against another suspect were dropped. Jessica Payne's murder differed as she died from a throat slash, leading prosecutors to hesitate in charging Ellis despite DNA links.
The Breakthrough
In May 2009, Milwaukee police reexamined cold cases involving the murders of seven women. DNA analysis revealed a single perpetrator. A major breakthrough occurred when it was discovered that Ellis's required DNA sample was missing from the Justice Department's records. An arrest warrant was issued after he failed to provide a sample voluntarily. In a twist of fate, a toothbrush from his apartment provided the DNA needed to connect him to the murders.
Arrest and Trial
Ellis's arrest on September 7, 2009, occurred at a Franklin motel where he was holding his girlfriend, Tressie Johnson, against her will. His capture ended a reign of terror that had haunted Milwaukee for years. With the evidence stacked against him, Ellis initially pleaded not guilty. However, facing overwhelming DNA evidence, he accepted a plea deal in February 2011, admitting to the murders. This led to his sentencing of seven life terms without parole.
Wrongful Convictions
Ellis's arrest and subsequent confessions had significant legal ramifications. Chaunte Dean Ott, wrongly convicted of Jessica Payne's murder, was exonerated and released after 14 years. Similarly, William Avery, convicted for the murder of Maryetta Griffin, was also exonerated, highlighting a miscarriage of justice.
Death
After his conviction, Ellis was transferred to the South Dakota State Penitentiary. His health rapidly declined, and he was diagnosed with diabetes. On December 1, 2013, Walter E. Ellis died from complications related to the disease, closing the final chapter of his life at 53.
Sources
- CBS News Report on Ellis's Sentencing
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Articles
- CNN and Other News Reports
- Fox News on Ellis's Death
This chilling tale of Walter E. Ellis serves as a grim reminder of the darkness that can lurk within a community, and the relentless pursuit of justice that eventually brings such darkness to light.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Known Murder
Deborah L. Harris is strangled and dumped in the river.
Last Known Murder
Ouithreaun C. Stokes is found strangled, marking the last known victim.
DNA Links Murders
Milwaukee police link seven cold case murders to a single perpetrator via DNA analysis.
Arrest of Walter Ellis
Walter Ellis is arrested at a motel, suspected of being the serial killer.
Sentencing
Walter Ellis is sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences without parole.
Death of Walter Ellis
Walter Ellis dies due to complications from diabetes while serving his sentence.