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.
-
1994: Woody Harrelson passes on hosting SNL to appear in college play
Harrelson, a 1983 graduate of Hanover College here in Indiana, returned to his alma mater in 1994 to appear in a play by Jim Leonard, Jr. called “The Diviners.”Middle Ground Comedy Festival aims to boost attendees’ mental health
The goal of the event is to help those struggling with their mental health to use laughter as medicine.Indy Artist publishes 3 children's books with a focus on representation
The books feature community leaders, entrepreneurs and places that are making an impact in Indianapolis.Experts say Indy's poor air quality contributes to health issues
EPA's Air Quality Index states that the Indianapolis Area has the eleventh worst Median Air Quality Index in the country.