Arrest of alleged serial killer prompts new law for Franklin hotels

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The Milwaukee suburb of Franklin has tightened its requirements on those who pay cash when they check into hotels.

Those customers must now show photo ID’s and the hotels must keep photocopies of those ID’s.

It’s all because of the arrest of alleged Milwaukee serial killer Walter Ellis, who’s charged with strangling seven female prostitutes since 1986.

He was picked up at a motel in Franklin this summer.

Authorities said his girlfriend properly checked them in but the arrest still raised concerns among city officials.

Police Chief Rick Oliva said people have obstructed investigations in the past by lying about their names when paying cash at hotels.

The Franklin Common Council approved the new ID requirement Tuesday night. Alderman Kristen Wilhem said many hotels already require the ID’s on their own and nearby Glendale and Brookfield have similar laws.

Tags: id requirements, serial killer, wisconsin, franklin, hotels