Crime & Safety

Patrick Fowler, Accused Of Stabbing And Burning A Mother And Child, In Court Today

Patrick Fowler is accused of stabbing a woman and her child and burning their bodies and the defense makes its case in court today.

MILWAUKEE, WI -- Patrick Fowler, the 33-year-old charged with murdering Jessica Ellenberger and her four-year-old daughter Madyson Marshel, is in court today as the defense makes its case. The murder happened March of last year.

The details of the murder, as told by police, are grim. Fowler allegedly felt disrespected while he and Ellenberger were arguing, according to prosecutors, grabbed her by the hair, and “asked her to just talk with him.” Next, he stabbed her 26 times and slit her throat, according to prosecutors.

Milwaukee Police Department Detective James Campbell testified in the case, saying four-year-old Madyson was screaming "mommy" during the gruesome incident. Fowler then stabbed the young girl twice, according to the complaint. He then set their bodies on fire.

Find out what's happening in Milwaukeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Fowler Mug Shot
Patrick Fowler

According to a FOX6 article, the night of the incident, Fowler allegedly fled to Texas after buying a one-way ticket at a Greyhound station, but not before visiting the mother of his own two children. According to the woman's mother, Fowler threatened bodily harm unless she assisted him dispose of the clothes he was wearing at the time of the murder. She obliged.

Fowler was caught in Arkansas on his way to Texas and has been held on $1 million cash bond.

Find out what's happening in Milwaukeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Image via Shutterstock

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