Notable Milwaukee Defense Attorney Gerald Boyle Passes Away

Gerald Boyle, the distinguished Milwaukee defense attorney renowned for representing several high-profile clients, passed away on November 17, according to family statements. Boyle’s daughter, Bridget, announced the news on Facebook, praising her father for his «remarkable career spanning decades» and his «sharp legal mind and compassionate heart.» The family has arranged a visitation which will be held on November 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.

Boyle gained significant recognition as the defense attorney for Jeffrey Dahmer, the infamous serial killer who was convicted in 1992 of murdering 15 young boys and men. This case brought Boyle to the forefront of legal discussions and solidified his reputation as a formidable defense attorney in Wisconsin. The Dahmer case was one of the most sensational cases of its time, drawing international media attention.

Aside from the Dahmer case, Boyle’s legal career included representing Mark Chmura, a former Green Bay Packers tight end. Chmura was acquitted in 2000 of charges related to an incident at an after-prom party. Boyle’s defense of Chmura was covered extensively in the press, further showcasing his expertise in navigating media-intensive trials.

Boyle also defended John Maloney, a former arson detective from Green Bay, who was convicted in 1999 of strangling his estranged wife and later setting her house on fire. Despite numerous appeals, Maloney’s conviction remained upheld.

In what was known as «the Seinfeld case,» Boyle secured a $24.7 million verdict in 1997 for Jerold Mackenzie, a former Miller Brewing executive who was fired for discussing a «Seinfeld» episode. Although the award was overturned on appeal, Mackenzie later settled with Boyle’s insurance for $625,000.

Boyle’s career was closely followed in the media, reflecting his status in the legal community as a defender of those involved in complex and challenging cases. His legacy endures as a lawyer who stood by his clients through both celebrated and notorious legal battles.