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West Allis Drowning Ruled Homicide After 13-Year Investigation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 22:35 GMT by CBS 58 News

West Allis, Wisconsin - January 14th, 2026 - A West Allis family's long and agonizing search for answers has taken a dramatic turn. What was initially ruled an accidental drowning in 2013 has now been reclassified as a homicide following a thirteen-year investigation, culminating in charges being filed against two individuals. The case involves Natalia Ellis, a vibrant 15-year-old whose death has haunted her family and the West Allis community for over a decade.

For years, Natalia's death was attributed to accidental drowning. The circumstances surrounding her death were initially accepted, leading to a period of grieving and a presumed closure. However, Shantell Ellis, Natalia's mother, never fully accepted the explanation, relentlessly advocating for a deeper examination of the case. Her persistence and unwavering belief that something wasn't right became a driving force in keeping the investigation alive.

Milwaukee County District Attorney Michael Graesser addressed the media in a press conference Tuesday, announcing the groundbreaking development. "This has been an incredibly difficult journey for Natalia's family and we are hopeful that today's charges will bring them some measure of peace," Graesser stated. He emphasized the pivotal role advancements in forensic science and a comprehensive reinvestigation played in uncovering new evidence that points to intentional harm.

The reinvestigation marks a significant shift in the understanding of Natalia's death. While the initial investigation concluded with an accidental drowning ruling, the passage of time has allowed for the application of more sophisticated forensic techniques. These advancements, coupled with a fresh look at existing evidence, appear to have revealed inconsistencies and details previously overlooked. What constituted conclusive evidence in 2013 may now be viewed through a different lens, thanks to these technological and methodological improvements.

Details surrounding the charges and the identities of the two individuals apprehended remain closely guarded. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office has confirmed that further information will be released as the legal proceedings progress. This deliberate approach is standard procedure to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure a fair legal process for all involved.

The news has understandably sent ripples through the West Allis community. Natalia's case had long been a source of quiet grief and unanswered questions. While the charges offer a glimmer of hope for justice, they also reopen old wounds and force a re-evaluation of the tragic events that transpired in 2013. The timing of the charges, thirteen years after Natalia's death, underscores the tenacity of the investigation and the complexities of uncovering the truth.

Shantell Ellis's long-held conviction that her daughter's death was not an accident is now seemingly validated. A statement made in 2023 eloquently captured her enduring desire: "I just want justice for my baby." This simple plea encapsulates the profound pain and unwavering determination that have characterized her advocacy over the years. The prospect of achieving that justice, after so many years of uncertainty, is undoubtedly a moment of profound significance for her and the entire Ellis family.

The unfolding case highlights the evolving nature of forensic science and its potential to revisit previously closed investigations. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of parental intuition and the power of unwavering advocacy in the pursuit of truth and justice. As the legal process unfolds, the community watches with a mixture of hope and somber reflection, awaiting further details and the pursuit of accountability for this long-unresolved tragedy.