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.
-
Gas prices in Indy up 80 cents a gallon amid Middle East conflict, analyst says
Drivers in Indianapolis are paying noticeably more at the pump than just a month ago, and a petroleum analyst says the conflict in the Middle East is the primary reason.
Indiana tornado drill prepares schools, agencies as severe storms loom
Indiana’s statewide tornado drill on Tuesday morning gave schools and emergency agencies a chance to practice their response.
Revitalization project aims to turn northeast side park into community hub
An $800K revitalization project is hoping to transform Doris Cowherd Park on Indy's northeast side into a community hub for residents across the community.
Indianapolis students bring home free books thanks to community partnership
Students at Washington Irving Neighborhood School filled their backpacks with five free books to take home, thanks to a community partnership aimed at building home libraries.
