MILWAUKEE – Gerald Boyle, the Milwaukee attorney perhaps most well known for defending convicted serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, has died.
Boyle’s daughter Bridget posted on social media Tuesday confirming her father’s death Sunday at age 88.
“A distinguished attorney, he dedicated his life to the relentless pursuit of justice'” said Bridget. “Over a remarkable career spanning decades, he fearlessly championed countless high-profile cases, earning widespread respect for his sharp legal mind and compassionate heart. For those he represented, he was a beacon of hope and unwavering support.”
In addition to the 1992 Dahmer trial, Boyle also served as a defense attorney for several other high profile clients, including Green Bay arson detective John Maloney in 2005, former Packers tight end Mark Chmura in 2001, and a former executive of Miller Brewing in the case known as the “Seinfeld Case” in 1993.
“When he walked into court, he wanted to *own* the courtroom. That was his style,” former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher told WTMJ’s Wis. Morning News on Wednesday. “We battled.”
One of Boyle’s many talents was how he would present closing arguments, Bucher said.
“(Boyle) was an excellent story-teller,” Bucher recalled. “He had the jury in his hands. I would try to distract him (knock a book off the table or spill coffee) in order to break his stride. When he was giving a closing argument, even *I* was riveted…!”
Former Milwaukee Police Lt. Ken Harris, of 101.7 The Truth, believes what made Boyle successful was his no-nonsense approach.
“(Boyle) recognized and respected the rule of law,” Harris told WTMJ. “He was well respected by police officers.”
Visitation for Boyle will take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee on November 30th.
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