Walter E. Ellis: 5 Disturbing Films on the Milwaukee North Side Strangler
A Chilling Look at True Crime Cinema
Walter E. Ellis, known as the Milwaukee North Side Strangler, committed a series of brutal murders in Milwaukee, Wisconsin between 1986 and 2007. His crimes shocked the community and left a lasting impact on the city. Ellis was eventually convicted of seven murders, though he was suspected of additional killings.
The case of Walter E. Ellis has been the subject of several disturbing films that explore his crimes and their aftermath. These productions delve into the details of Ellis's murderous spree, the investigation that led to his capture, and the lives of his victims. From documentaries to dramatizations, filmmakers have attempted to shed light on this dark chapter in Milwaukee's history.
1) The Milwaukee Cannibal
"The Milwaukee Cannibal" is a chilling documentary that explores the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, another notorious Milwaukee serial killer. While not directly about Walter E. Ellis, this film provides context for the city's dark history of violent crime.
The documentary delves into Dahmer's horrific acts, which occurred around the same time as some of Ellis's murders. It examines the psychological factors that may have driven Dahmer to commit his crimes.
The film features interviews with law enforcement officials, forensic experts, and relatives of Dahmer's victims. It offers a haunting look at how Dahmer evaded capture for so long despite his brutal killings.
"The Milwaukee Cannibal" serves as a grim reminder of the impact serial killers can have on a community. It highlights the challenges faced by investigators in solving complex cases like those of Dahmer and Ellis.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2332735/
2) Dahmer
Jeffrey Dahmer's crimes shocked Milwaukee and the world. While not directly related to Walter E. Ellis, Dahmer's case has been the subject of numerous films and documentaries.
One notable production is "The Secret Life: Jeffrey Dahmer" (1993). This biographical crime drama delves into Dahmer's disturbing history and criminal activities.
The film runs for approximately 40 minutes, offering a concise yet intense look at Dahmer's life. It aims to provide insights into the mind of one of Milwaukee's most infamous killers.
Directed by David Bowen, "The Secret Life: Jeffrey Dahmer" explores the dark aspects of Dahmer's crimes. It presents a fictionalized account based on real events.
While not specifically about Ellis, this film highlights the impact of serial killers on Milwaukee's community. It serves as a chilling reminder of the city's troubled past with violent criminals.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105477/
3) The Jeffrey Dahmer Files
"The Jeffrey Dahmer Files" is a unique documentary film that offers a different perspective on the infamous Milwaukee serial killer. Released in 2012, the film blends interviews with reenactments to create a compelling narrative.
Director Chris James Thompson takes an unconventional approach to the subject matter. Instead of focusing solely on Dahmer's crimes, the film explores the impact of his actions on the community and those involved in the case.
The documentary features interviews with key figures, including the medical examiner assigned to the case, Jeffrey Jentzen, and lead detective Pat Kennedy. Their firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into the investigation and its aftermath.
Andrew Swant portrays Dahmer in fictionalized reenactment segments. These scenes are interwoven with the interviews, creating a unique storytelling structure that sets the film apart from other true crime documentaries.
"The Jeffrey Dahmer Files" runs for approximately 76 minutes. It offers viewers a concise yet thought-provoking exploration of one of America's most notorious serial killers and the lasting effects of his crimes on Milwaukee.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jeffrey_Dahmer_Files
4) My Friend Dahmer
"My Friend Dahmer" is a 2017 biographical psychological drama film directed by Marc Meyers. The movie is based on the graphic novel of the same name by John "Derf" Backderf, who was friends with Jeffrey Dahmer in high school.
The film explores Dahmer's teenage years, focusing on his struggles to fit in and his growing fascination with death. Ross Lynch portrays the young Jeffrey Dahmer, delivering a chilling performance that captures the future serial killer's troubled nature.
Set in the 1970s, the movie provides a unique perspective on Dahmer's life before his infamous killing spree began. It delves into his family dynamics, social interactions, and the early signs of his disturbing behavior.
"My Friend Dahmer" offers a thought-provoking look at the factors that may have contributed to Dahmer's descent into violence. The film maintains a somber tone throughout, avoiding sensationalism while presenting a haunting portrayal of a troubled youth.
Critics praised the movie for its nuanced approach to a difficult subject matter. It serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the development of a serial killer.
5) Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes
"Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes" is a true crime docuseries that delves into the mind of notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Released on Netflix, it is the third installment in the "Conversations with a Killer" series.
The documentary features unguarded interviews with Dahmer himself, offering viewers a disturbing glimpse into his psyche. These tapes provide a chilling account of his gruesome crimes, which included murder, dismemberment, and cannibalism.
The series explores Dahmer's arrest in July 1991, when Milwaukee police discovered the horrifying evidence of his crimes in his apartment. It traces the beginnings of his murderous spree and examines the 17 murders he ultimately confessed to.
Directed by Joe Berlinger, the docuseries includes insights from attorneys, experts, and journalists involved in the case. It presents a comprehensive look at one of America's most infamous serial killers.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21994606/
Background of Walter E. Ellis
Walter E. Ellis, known as the Milwaukee North Side Strangler, was a serial killer who terrorized Milwaukee, Wisconsin for over two decades. His criminal activities spanned from 1986 to 2007, leaving a trail of seven confirmed victims.
Early Life and Upbringing
Walter Earl Ellis was born on June 24, 1960. Details about his childhood and early years are limited in public records. Ellis grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the same city where he would later commit his crimes.
His youth was reportedly marked by troubled behavior and run-ins with the law. This pattern of delinquency foreshadowed his future criminal activities.
Criminal History
Ellis's criminal record began long before his serial killings. He had multiple arrests and convictions for various offenses throughout his adult life.
His modus operandi as a serial killer involved targeting women in Milwaukee's North Side. Ellis would rape and strangle his victims, predominantly targeting sex workers and drug users.
Between 1986 and 2007, Ellis murdered at least seven women. For years, these crimes remained unsolved and were initially considered unrelated.
Capture and Conviction
Advances in DNA technology eventually led to Ellis's downfall. In 2009, investigators linked DNA evidence from multiple crime scenes to Ellis.
He was arrested on September 5, 2009, after being on the run for several days. Ellis initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to no contest.
On February 24, 2011, Ellis was convicted and sentenced to seven consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. He died in prison on December 1, 2013, at the age of 53.
The Milwaukee North Side Strangler Case
Walter E. Ellis terrorized Milwaukee for over two decades, murdering at least seven women between 1986 and 2007. His crimes went unsolved for years, leaving a community in fear and investigators baffled.
Victim Profiles
Ellis targeted African American women involved in sex work or struggling with drug addiction. His victims ranged in age from 19 to 41. The women were found strangled, often in abandoned buildings or alleyways on Milwaukee's north side.
Ellis chose vulnerable individuals who were less likely to be reported missing immediately. This made identifying victims and connecting the cases more challenging for law enforcement.
Investigation and Challenges
The case remained cold for years due to several factors. DNA technology was not advanced enough in the earlier murders to link the crimes. Ellis also used an alias to avoid detection when providing DNA samples.
A breakthrough came in 2009 when improved DNA analysis connected evidence from multiple crime scenes. Investigators discovered Ellis had convinced an incarcerated friend to submit a DNA sample in his place during a previous arrest.
Once identified, Ellis was quickly arrested. Police found his DNA matched samples from nine victims, though he was only charged with seven murders due to evidence constraints.
Impact on the Community
The North Side Strangler case instilled fear in Milwaukee's African American community for over 20 years. Many women were afraid to walk alone, especially at night.
The prolonged investigation led to criticism of law enforcement's handling of cases involving marginalized victims. This sparked discussions about equality in policing and victim advocacy.
Ellis's eventual arrest brought relief but also raised questions about how he evaded capture for so long. The case highlighted the importance of advances in forensic technology and maintaining comprehensive DNA databases.
