DNA trail leads to arrest of Walter Ellis, suspected Wisconsin serial killer

Using “shoe leather and science,“ police in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have arrested a suspect in the serial killings of nine women over 21 years.

Police said Monday that investigators matched Walter E. Ellis, 49, with DNA found on each of the bodies of the nine women killed from 1986 to 2007. Police used a search warrant Friday to obtain a DNA sample from Ellis’ home. He was arrested Saturday in the Milwaukee suburb of Franklin.

“This case was solved with shoe leather and science,“ Police Chief Edward A. Flynn said at a news conference. “Continuing advances in DNA technology have enabled us to link these homicide cases, and it was good work pursuing numerous leads that led to the arrest of the suspect.“

Flynn said the Milwaukee Police Department’s Homicide Task Force Cold Case Unit poured through evidence that included more than 700 names contained in the nine homicide files, 15,000 sexual assault investigations spanning 23 years and 6,000 prostitution-related cases. They searched the state DNA databank of 125,000 people and a national databank of 6 million people.

Ellis has been charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, said Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm. More charges are expected.

Investigators said eight of the women were prostitutes and one was a runaway who was “involved in the drug trade.“

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett applauded law enforcement officials for taking a huge step forward in solving the cold case.

“This is a wonderful day,“ he said. “Our hope is that this will move forward through the courts and will result in a conclusion that is just for all.“

AP Video: Milwaukee Man Linked to 9 Murders Arrested
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iywlBtMoxjI