Convicted serial killer appeals to state Supreme Court

Walter Ellis is convicted of killing 7 women over 2 decades

MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee man convicted of killing seven women over a 21-year period is appealing his convictions.

Walter Ellis pleaded no contest to charges of first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree murder. In a recent filing to the state Supreme Court, his attorney argues that Ellis only pleaded no contest because the court set up unfair circumstances for him.

Ellis had asked for a change of venue, citing the national publicity his case drew. He also wanted the cases to be tried separately, saying jurors might use evidence in one case to draw inferences in the other cases. A court of appeals denied both arguments.

Defense attorney Richard Hart is now appealing to the state Supreme Court. The justices will decide in the next few weeks whether to take the case.