MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson says he is "cautious" about a potential memorial in the city for the victims of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
Netflix released a series about the "Milwaukee Cannibal" last week. Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story tells the story of Dahmer, who was convicted of murdering and dismembering 16 men and boys in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Since the show premiered, conversations surrounding how the City of Milwaukee handled the murders resurfaced.
Part of these conversations flooding social media included support for a memorial or tribute for Dahmer's victims in Milwaukee.
In a statement shared with TMJ4 News on Tuesday, Mayor Johnson said a memorial could attract the wrong people.
“It is entirely appropriate to remember the victims of this horrific episode in Milwaukee’s history," Mayor Johnson said. "They deserve our respect. I am cautious, however, about a physical memorial. That would have an unfortunate potential to attract people who have a morbid fascination with the killer. That is something I would prefer to avoid.”
The empty site where Dahmer used to live is one possible location for a memorial that people discussed online. Dahmer used to live in the Oxford Apartments and carried out most of his murders there. The 49-unit building was demolished in 1992, not long after his 1991 arrest. The plot now sits vacant near 25th and State.
Conversations about a memorial widely stem from public social media posts and not the victims' families.
Dahmer died in prison two years into his sentence after being beaten by another inmate.
-
Fever beat Las Vegas 81-54 and snap a 16-game losing streak against the Aces
The Indiana Fever, without the injured Caitlyn Clark, beat Las Vegas 81-54 on Thursday night and snapped a 16-game losing streak against the Aces.
Nearly 100 new American citizens naturalized at federal courthouse ceremony
90 people from 33 countries took the oath and became Americans at the Birch Bayh Federal Courthouse on Thursday.
Indiana’s Operation Dry Water launches for July 4th weekend
With the launch of Operation Dry Water, law enforcement will conduct increased patrols throughout the holiday weekend to combat impaired boating.
DNR postpones fireworks at Lake Monroe due to high water levels
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources canceled its Friday fireworks show at Lake Monroe due to safety concerns.
