list of murderers from wisconsin

Wisconsin is known for its beautiful landscapes, dairy farms, and friendly residents. It is also home to several notorious murderers who have left a dark mark on this otherwise peaceful state. From serial killers to cold-blooded murderers, Wisconsin has seen its fair share of heinous crimes. In this article, we will delve into the lives of some of the most infamous murderers from Wisconsin.

1. Ed Gein

One of the most notorious serial killers in American history, Ed Gein, was born in Wisconsin in 1906. He was raised by a strict and abusive mother who instilled in him a deep-seated hatred towards women. After her death in 1945, Gein started to indulge in necrophilia, grave robbing, and eventually murdering women to fulfill his twisted desires.

His first known victim was Mary Hogan, a tavern owner who mysteriously disappeared in 1954. Gein killed her and used her skin to make a lampshade and chair covers. It wasn’t until 1957 when the police discovered the gruesome truth about Gein’s activities. They found the remains of several women in his farmhouse, along with various body parts and objects made from human skin.

Gein was found guilty of murder but was declared mentally unfit to stand trial. He spent the rest of his life in a psychiatric hospital and died in 1984 at the age of 77.

2. Jeffrey Dahmer

Another infamous serial killer from Wisconsin is Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as the ‘Milwaukee Cannibal.’ He was born in 1960 in West Allis and showed signs of disturbing behavior from a young age. He would often dissect animals and collect their bones, foreshadowing his future as a murderer.

Dahmer’s killing spree began in 1978 when he was just 18 years old. He targeted young men, mostly from marginalized communities, and lured them to his apartment with the promise of money or alcohol. He would then drug them, sexually assault them, and finally kill them. He would often dismember and cannibalize his victims’ bodies, keeping their skulls and other body parts as trophies.

Dahmer was finally caught in 1991 when one of his victims managed to escape and alert the police. He confessed to killing 17 men and was sentenced to 15 life terms in prison. However, his life was cut short when he was beaten to death by a fellow inmate in 1994.

3. Walter Ellis

Walter Ellis was a serial killer who operated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the 1980s and 1990s. He was born in 1960 and had a troubled childhood, with a history of violence and sexual abuse. Ellis had a long criminal record, including charges of rape and drug possession, but he was never convicted of murder until 2007.

Ellis’s victims were all women of color, most of whom were involved in drugs or prostitution. He would strangle them to death and dump their bodies in abandoned buildings or trash cans. It wasn’t until DNA evidence linked him to the murders that he was finally arrested in 2009.

In 2011, Ellis pleaded no contest to seven counts of first-degree intentional homicide and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He is believed to have killed at least nine women, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in Wisconsin’s history.

4. Laurie “Bambi” Bembenek

Unlike the previous murderers on this list, Laurie Bembenek was a woman. Born in 1958 in Milwaukee, Bembenek grew up in a troubled household and had a history of running away from home. She joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 1980 and became one of the first female officers to work on the street.

However, Bembenek’s life took a dark turn when she was accused of killing her husband’s ex-wife, Christine Schultz, in 1981. Despite a lack of evidence, Bembenek was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. She maintained her innocence and became a cause célèbre, with many people believing that she was framed by her colleagues in the police department.

After ten years in prison, Bembenek managed to escape and fled to Canada, where she was eventually caught and extradited back to the United States. In 1992, her conviction was overturned, and she was released from prison. She maintained her innocence until her death in 2010.

5. Joseph Edward Duncan III

Joseph Edward Duncan III was a serial killer and sex offender who was born in Tacoma, Washington. However, he spent most of his adult life in Wisconsin, where he committed some of his most heinous crimes.

Duncan’s first known victim was a young boy whom he molested and attempted to kill in 1980. He was convicted of this crime and spent 18 years in prison. After his release, he moved to Fargo, North Dakota, and continued to commit sexual offenses against children.

In 2005, Duncan broke into the home of the Groene family in Idaho and killed three members of the family, including two children. He also kidnapped 8-year-old Shasta Groene and her 9-year-old brother Dylan. Shasta was eventually rescued, but Dylan’s body was found a few weeks later.

Duncan was arrested and confessed to the Groene family murders, along with the murder of another boy in California. He was sentenced to death and was executed by lethal injection in 2012.

6. Danny Lee Jones

Danny Lee Jones was a serial killer who operated in Wisconsin in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was born in 1946 and had a troubled childhood, with a history of physical and sexual abuse. Jones had a long criminal record, including charges of burglary and sexual assault, but he was never convicted of murder until 1983.

Jones’s victims were all young women whom he targeted while working as a security guard. He would lure them into his car, rape and strangle them, and then dump their bodies in remote locations. He was finally caught in 1982 when a woman who escaped from him identified him to the police.

In 1983, Jones was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison in 2015 at the age of 69.

7. Steven Avery

Steven Avery’s case gained international attention after the release of the Netflix documentary series ‘Making a Murderer.’ Avery was born in 1962 and grew up in a salvage yard in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. He had a history of criminal behavior, including burglary and animal cruelty, but he maintained his innocence in the most notorious crime he was accused of.

In 1985, Avery was convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder, for which he spent 18 years in prison. However, DNA evidence eventually proved his innocence, and he was released in 2003. Avery filed a $36 million lawsuit against the county for wrongful conviction, but he never received the money.

In 2005, Avery was again arrested, this time for the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole. However, the documentary series raised several questions about the investigation and Avery’s conviction, with many believing that he was once again framed by the police.

8. David Spanbauer

In 1981, David Spanbauer brutally murdered his entire family, including his parents and two younger sisters, in their home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Spanbauer was born in 1952 and had a history of mental illness, including schizophrenia and paranoia.

On the night of the murders, Spanbauer believed that his family was trying to poison him, and he decided to take matters into his own hands. He killed all four of them with a hammer and then set the house on fire. He also attempted to kill his 13-year-old brother, but he managed to escape.

Spanbauer was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was sent to a mental hospital. He was released in 1999, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

9. Jake Patterson

Jake Patterson was a relatively unknown individual until he committed one of the most talked-about murders in Wisconsin’s recent history. In 2018, Patterson broke into the home of James and Denise Closs in Barron, Wisconsin, and killed the couple. He then kidnapped their 13-year-old daughter, Jayme, and held her captive in his cabin for 88 days.

Patterson had no connection to the Closs family and claimed that he randomly chose their house as his target. He confessed to the murders and kidnapping and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

10. Mark Chmura

Mark Chmura was a well-known NFL player who played for the Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 1999. However, in 2000, he was accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a post-prom party. Chmura maintained his innocence, claiming that the encounter was consensual, and he was eventually acquitted of the charges.

However, the incident ended Chmura’s football career, and he was never able to fully redeem himself in the public eye. He currently works as a sports analyst and commentator.

Conclusion

Wisconsin may be known for its cheese and beer, but it also has a dark history of notorious murderers. From Ed Gein’s twisted crimes to Jake Patterson’s shocking kidnapping, these individuals have left a lasting impact on the state and its residents. While some have been brought to justice, others continue to serve their sentences in prison, and a few have never been caught. The legacy of these murderers will forever haunt the peaceful land of Wisconsin.

best kids christmas gifts 2017

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and you know what that means – Christmas is just around the corner! As parents, we all want to make the holiday season special for our little ones, and that includes finding the perfect gifts for them. With endless options available, choosing the best kids Christmas gifts for 2017 can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the hottest and most popular gifts for kids this year to help you make the right choice.

1. Hatchimals

Hatchimals took the toy world by storm last year, and they are still a hot item for kids this Christmas. These cute and interactive creatures hatch from their eggs and grow as your child takes care of them. Each Hatchimal has its own unique personality and responds to touch and sound. With new species and limited edition versions available, Hatchimals are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

2. Fingerlings

Another interactive toy that is on every child’s wish list this year is the Fingerlings. These adorable little creatures cling onto your child’s finger and respond to touch and sound. They come in a variety of colors and species, and each one has its own unique personality. With the ability to make 40 different sounds and movements, Fingerlings will provide hours of entertainment for your child.

3. LEGO Boost

For the little builders and coders in your life, the LEGO Boost is the perfect gift. This set combines the classic LEGO bricks with technology to create five different models that can be programmed and controlled through a tablet or smartphone. It’s a great way to introduce your child to coding and robotics while having fun building and playing with LEGO.

4. Switch -reviews”>Nintendo Switch

If you have a child who loves video games, then the Nintendo Switch is the ultimate gift for them this Christmas. This gaming system can be played on the go as a handheld device or hooked up to a TV for a more traditional gaming experience. With a variety of games available and the ability to play with friends, the Nintendo Switch is sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.

5. Barbie DreamHorse

For the little girls who love Barbie, the Barbie DreamHorse is a must-have gift this Christmas. This interactive horse responds to touch and sound and can walk, neigh, and even dance! It also comes with accessories such as a saddle and bridle for your child to play with. With the ability to be ridden by Barbie dolls, the DreamHorse will provide endless hours of imaginative play for your child.

6. Nerf Modulus Regulator

For the active and adventurous kids, the Nerf Modulus Regulator is the perfect gift. This blaster comes with three different shooting modes and can be customized with various attachments. It also has a motorized blasting action, making it a top choice for Nerf enthusiasts. Your child will have a blast playing with this toy, and you can join in on the fun too!

7. L.O.L Surprise! Dolls

If you have a child who loves collectible toys, then L.O.L Surprise! Dolls are a great gift option. These dolls come in a ball-shaped container and have multiple layers of surprises that your child can unwrap. Each layer reveals a new accessory or clothing item for the doll, making it an exciting and fun experience for kids. With a variety of dolls to collect, L.O.L Surprise! Dolls will keep your child entertained for hours.

8. Cozmo Robot

For the tech-savvy kids, the Cozmo Robot is a gift they will love. This tiny robot has its own personality and can play games, recognize faces, and even express emotions. It can also be controlled through a smartphone app, allowing your child to interact and play with it in different ways. With constant updates and new features, Cozmo will continue to entertain and amaze your child for a long time.

9. Anki Overdrive

Anki Overdrive is a toy that combines physical and digital play. It comes with a track that can be customized in different ways, and the cars can be controlled through a smartphone app. The cars have different abilities and can be upgraded with virtual weapons and power-ups. With the ability to race against friends or AI opponents, Anki Overdrive will provide endless hours of fun for kids and adults alike.

10. Osmo Coding Jam

For the little musicians and coders, Osmo Coding Jam is a perfect gift. This set includes tangible blocks that represent different musical notes and beats. By arranging the blocks in a certain sequence, your child can create their own music and learn the basics of coding at the same time. It’s a great way to introduce your child to music and coding in a fun and interactive way.

11. FurReal Roarin’ Tyler the Playful Tiger

FurReal Roarin’ Tyler the Playful Tiger is an animatronic toy that will capture the hearts of kids who love animals. This tiger cub responds to touch and sound, and can roar, move its head, and even play with his toy chicken. With sensors on its head, chin, and back, Tyler can interact with your child in various ways. It’s a great way to bring the wild into your child’s playroom.

12. Little Live Pets Dream Puppy

If your child has been asking for a puppy, but you’re not ready for the real thing, then the Little Live Pets Dream Puppy is the perfect alternative. This interactive toy responds to touch and sound and acts just like a real puppy. It can open and close its eyes, move its head, and even breathe. With a variety of breeds to choose from, your child can have their dream puppy without the mess and responsibility of a real one.

13. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2

For the tech-savvy kids who love taking pictures, the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 is a great gift. This smartwatch has two cameras, one on the front and one on the side, allowing your child to take photos and selfies. It also has a variety of games and activities, making it a fun and educational toy. With the ability to customize the watch face and play with friends, the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 will keep your child entertained for hours.

14. Play-Doh Touch Shape to Life Studio

For the little artists, the Play-Doh Touch Shape to Life Studio is a dream come true. This set comes with a special app that allows your child to bring their Play-Doh creations to life on a digital platform. They can scan their creations and interact with them on the screen, creating a unique and fun experience. It’s a great way to combine traditional play with technology.

15. Disney Princess Dance Code Belle

Disney Princess Dance Code Belle is a gift that will make any little girl feel like a princess. This Belle doll comes with a special necklace that can be programmed to make her dance to different music. With three different modes, your child can create their own dance routines or follow along with the pre-programmed ones. It’s a unique and fun way to bring the magic of Disney to life.

16. Melisa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set

For the little ones who love to play pretend, the Melisa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant Play Set is a great gift. This set includes a retro-style diner with a kitchen and dining area. It also comes with a variety of accessories such as play food, menus, and a waitress apron. With the ability to play different roles and create their own restaurant scenarios, your child’s imagination will run wild with this play set.

17. Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush & Drawing Pad

For the little artists who love to color, the Crayola Color Wonder Magic Light Brush & Drawing Pad is a perfect gift. This set comes with a special brush that lights up and changes colors when dipped into the Color Wonder paint. The paint only works on the special paper, making it a mess-free and stress-free activity for parents. With a variety of colors and designs to choose from, your child can create beautiful masterpieces without making a mess.

18. Razor Power Core E100 Electric Scooter

For the kids who love to be on the move, the Razor Power Core E100 Electric Scooter is the ultimate gift. With a top speed of 11 mph and a battery life of up to 60 minutes, this scooter will provide endless fun for your child. It also has a kick-start feature, making it easy and safe to use. With a sturdy and sleek design, the Razor Power Core E100 is sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike.

19. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot

The Wonder Workshop Dash Robot is a gift that combines technology and education. This robot responds to voice commands and can be programmed to move, dance, and interact with your child. It also comes with a variety of games and puzzles that teach coding and problem-solving skills. With constant updates and new features, the Dash Robot is a toy that will grow with your child and provide endless hours of fun and learning.

20. Ozobot Bit Coding Robot

The Ozobot Bit Coding Robot is a cute and compact toy that teaches kids the basics of coding. It can be programmed with color codes, allowing your child to create their own paths and challenges for the robot to follow. It also comes with a variety of games and activities that teach programming concepts. With a small size and durable design, the Ozobot Bit is a great toy for kids to play with and learn from.

With so many amazing gifts to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your child this Christmas. Whether they love technology, art, or adventure, there’s something for every child on this list. So, start your holiday shopping early and make this Christmas one to remember with the best kids Christmas gifts of 2017. Happy holidays!