TUESDAY 2/1/2022 4:42 p.m.
(WFRV) – An Outagamie County Judge has sentenced Dezman Ellis to prison time after he shot and killed a man at the Fox River Mall last year.
Ellis has been sentenced to 40 years in prison and 25 years of extended supervision. Outagamie County judge Mark J. McGinnis issuing this prison sentence after a nearly four hour hearing.
The judge reportedly threw one person out of the courtroom before the proceedings even started. A man in a red jacket appeared to point towards Ellis and the judge had police officers escort him out of the courtroom.
Following the sentencing, a fight did break out in the courtroom and then in the parking lot. Police officers from Grand Chute and Appleton and deputies from Outagamie County had to separate people from each other. Inside the courtroom, officers detained at least one woman but that woman was seen a few minutes later in the parking lot.
All of this commotion came after Ellis’ highly emotional sentencing hearing. Ellis shot and killed Jovanni Frausto and hurt bystander Colt Lemmers in a January 2021 shooting at the Fox River Mall in Grand Chute. Initial reports indicated that Ellis and Frausto had been fighting over a girl. In court on Tuesday, Ellis denied that this was the reason behind the shooting.
Frausto has a large family and several of his family members delivered statements at the sentencing hearing.
“We have a big family and the day that he pulled that trigger he didn’t only kill my son he killed all of us,” said Jovanni’s father Julio Aponte.
“My son’s life mattered, Giovanni Frausto’s life mattered, no mom should have to bury her son,” said Jovanni’s mother Tanya Lopez. Looking directly at Ellis she also described him as a “sorry excuse for a human.”
Jovanni’s brothers, sisters, and grandmother also gave statements.
Lemmers, the other man who was shot, also made a statement. He talked about the trauma he has experienced since the shooting occurred and how he hasn’t been able to get back to doing many of the things he had enjoyed doing in life before the shooting.
Ellis’ attorney argued that Jovanni Frausto and his friends had been threatening Ellis for months prior to the shooting. He said that his client feared for his life and had even purchased a gun to protect himself. On the day of the shooting at the mall, Ellis’ attorney said Frausto had been following Ellis through the mall and that his client felt threatened. Frausto didn’t have a gun.
Ellis expressed remorse for his actions in a statement he made to the court.
“I made a mistake that I’m going to regret for my entire life and am truly sorry for what I did and am sorry for the pain and suffering I put you through,” says Ellis.
Outagamie County judge Mark J. McGinnis cited several reasons for giving Ellis 40 years in prison. In the year since the shooting, McGinnis said Ellis had acted out several times while incarcerated. McGinnis also pointed to Ellis’ violent past which included incidences of fighting.
After the shooting, Ellis had fled to Iowa. In court on Tuesday, he admitted to throwing his loaded gun out of the window on the highway after leaving the mall on his way back home to Oshkosh the day of the shooting.
Local 5 will update this story as more information is released.
UPDATE: Fox River Mall shooter pleads no contest to charges, to be sentenced in February
THURSDAY 11/11/2021 9:07 a.m.
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) — A man accused in a fatal shooting at a suburban Appleton mall early this year has pleaded no contest to criminal charges.
Eighteen-year-old Dezman Ellis entered the plea to second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless endangering safety in Outagamie County Circuit Court Wednesday.
While visiting the mall on Jan. 31, Ellis, who was 17 at the time, shot and killed Jovanni Frausto during a dispute about a girlfriend.
A bystander was also hurt in the shooting. Several law enforcement agencies responded and led guests to safety.
Ellis will be sentenced in Outagamie County Court on Feb. 1, 2022.
UPDATE: Ellis pleads not guilty, next court date set for December
MONDAY 5/10/2021 7:18 p.m.
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)- 17-year-Old Dezman Ellis, the man accused of the fatal Fox River Mall shooting, appeared in court this afternoon, May 10.
Ellis is facing first degree intentional homicide charges connected to the shooting and murder of 19-year-old Jovanni Frausto who was at the mall the day of the shooting.
Ellis entered a “not guilty” plea to all counts. His trial is set to begin December 13th.
UPDATE: Ellis pleads not guilty, next court date set for May
WEDNESDAY 3/10/2021 2:54 p.m.
(WFRV) – Dezman Ellis pled not guilty to all charges for his involvement in the fatal shooting at Fox River Mall.
According to court records, Ellis entered not guilty pleas for 1st-Degree Intentional Homicide and 1st-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety.
Ellis is scheduled for a status conference on May 10.
There is no further information at this time.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL: Ellis bound over for trial, no date set for arraignment hearing
WEDNESDAY 2/17/2021 8:16 a.m.
(WFRV) – At the Feb. 16 preliminary hearing Dezman Ellis was bound over for trial.
The Outagamie County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Ellis was bound over for trial, however, there is currently no date set for the arraignment hearing.
With Ellis being bound over, he will now have to stand trial.
ORIGINAL: State will not file charges against Ellis’ mother, brother
2/11/2021 1:54 p.m.
(WFRV) – The two people that were arrested on Feb. 10 under the charges of Harboring and Aiding a Felon, will not have charges filed against them.
According to officials, the state will not be filing charges at this time for Ralph Ellis and Shirina Willis.
Both were arrested on Feb. 10 on charges of Harboring and Aiding a Felon.
Ralph Ellis is Dezman Ellis’ brother, Ralph said he picked up Dezman and his girlfriend on Jan. 31, and while driving Dezman admitted to shooting someone two times at the Fox River Mall.
Local 5 has been informed both Ralph Ellis and Shirina Willis are set to be released Thursday, Feb. 11.
No further information is available at this time, Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: More arrested for involvement in Fox River Mall shooting
Wednesday 2/10/2021 10:21 a.m.
(WFRV) – Two additional people were arrested for their involvement in the shooting that happened at the Fox River Mall on Jan. 31.
According to authorities, Shirina Willis and Ralph Ellis were arrested on charges of Harboring and Aiding a Felon.
Ralph Ellis is Dezman Ellis’ brother, Ralph said he picked up Dezman and his girlfriend on Jan. 31, and while driving Dezman admitted to shooting someone two times at the Fox River Mall.
Ralph and Shirina were arrested in Oshkosh and booked at Outagamie County Jail.
No other information is available at this time, Local 5 will update this story as information becomes available.
UPDATE: Ellis appears in court, cash bond set at $1.5 million
(WFRV) – Dezman Ellis appeared in Outagamie County court Monday for a bond hearing.
The judge has issued a $1.5 million cash bond.
According to court officials, they believe Ellis is a flight risk who had help from family to get to Iowa where he was taken into custody.
There has not been a preliminary hearing scheduled at this time.
UPDATE: Teen mall shooting suspect scheduled for court appearance
Feb 7, 2021, 11:00 a.m.
(WFRV) – The Outagamie County Jail tells Local 5 that Ellis is being held on a $750,000 cash bond and is expected to be in court on Monday.
Original Story: Teen suspect in Wisconsin mall shooting waives extradition
FRIDAY 2/5/2021
(AP) – GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AP) — Police in eastern Wisconsin say a teenager charged in a fatal shooting at a shopping mall has waived extradition in Iowa, where he was arrested days after the slaying.
Grand Chute police Capt. Colette Jaeger says law enforcement officers have left for Iowa to collect 17-year-old Dezman Ellis, who was arrested in Des Moines on Thursday.
Jaeger says Ellis will be taken to the Outagamie County Jail in Appleton.
Ellis is accused in the killing Sunday of 19-year-old Jovanni Frausto at the Fox River Mall in suburban Appleton during an argument over a girl.
A bystander was wounded by the gunfire.
Original Story: Dezman Ellis, alleged homicide suspect arrested
THURSDAY 2/4/2021 7:40 p.m.
(WFRV) – Grand Chute Police Chief Greg Peterson and U.S. Marshal Anna Ruzinski have arrested Dezman Ellis, who is wanted for First Degree Intentional Homicide and First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety.
The Grand Chute Police Department worked to find information on where Ellis was and after learning he had fled the area and was likely heading out of state, the department contacted the U.S. Marshals Service for assistance.
According to a release, Ellis was taken into custody without incident at a residence in Des Moines, Iowa around 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Original Story: ‘I’ll kill you’: details of the Fox River Mall shooting incident
WEDNESDAY 2/3/2021 9:50 a.m.
(WFRV) – Dezman Ellis and Jovanni Frausto argued over a relationship with a female, and Ellis was quoted as saying “I’ll shoot this place up, I’ll kill you.”
According to the criminal complaint, the victim’s girlfriend who stated she and her boyfriend, Jovanni Frausto and her niece came to the mall to eat around 2:45 p.m. They came across a group of people she was familiar with, the group consisted of three females and a male identified as Ellis.
Frausto and Ellis exchanged words and Ellis said “what’s up, you don’t wanna do this, back up and this and that.”
According to Frausto’s girlfriend, Frausto said “This isn’t about fighting, this isn’t about fighting, what’s your issue, why are you coming up to me, why are you targeting me.”
The issue between Frausto and Ellis was over one of the girls in the group, and around three months ago Frausto and the girlfriend were ‘on a break’ and Frausto started to talk with one of the females with Ellis.
Frausto’s girlfriend said that it was completely random that they ran into them at the mall.
Ellis was saying “back up back up I will shoot this place up, I’ll kill you.” Ellis was flashing the gun. Frausto ran straight and Ellis chased him with the gun, while Frausto’s girlfriend took her niece and went into the Macy’s wing bathroom. People started running towards her and telling her there was a shooter.
One of the females with Ellis stated she exited the mall and arrived at her car, the blue avenger, and Ellis was already there. She tried to tell Ellis to go away, but she was scared. She mentioned that she drove back to Oshkosh and dropped off Ellis at his apartment.
According to officials Frausto had two gunshot wounds, one on his chest, arm, and an exit wound on his back.
Authorities spoke to Ralph Ellis, the brother of Dezman Ellis, Ralph said he picked up Dezman and his girlfriend on Jan. 31, and while driving Dezman admitted to shooting someone two times at the Fox River Mall.
Dezman has been charged with First Degree Intentional Homicide and First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety. He faces up to life in prison.
According to the Grand Chute Police Department, there is currently no reward for finding Dezman.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL: Dezman Ellis charged with First Degree Homicide, still on the loose
WEDNESDAY 2/3/2021 9:30 a.m.
(WFRV) – Dezman Ellis has been charged with two counts, including First Degree Intentional Homicide, and if convicted could be sentenced to life in prison.
The two counts charged against Ellis are:
- First Degree Intentional Homicide
- First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
ORIGINAL: Four occupants arrested after getting combative, person of interest not located
MONDAY 2/1/2021 12:39 p.m.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – After making contact with police officers, four occupants got physically combative, and were taken into custody.
According to the Oshkosh Police Department, officers were made aware around 7:30 a.m. of the suspect vehicle in the 200 Block of W 20th Ave in Oshkosh.
Once arriving, police officers made contact with multiple individuals inside of the residence. The four occupants became combative and were all arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting.
The four people arrested were:
- 15-year-old male
- 16-year-old female
- 18-year-old female
- 37-year-old female
The Grand Chute Police Department is still actively looking for 17-year-old Dezman Ellis, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL: Person of interest in Fox River Mall shooting not located, others taken into custody
MONDAY 2/1/2021 11:35 a.m.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Multiple police agencies have responded to a home in Oshkosh, where the car of the suspect in the Fox River Mall shooting is believed to be located.
Four people were reportedly taken from the home. The suspect in the shooting was not located inside the home.
Local 5 is on the scene at this time and will bring you the latest information on the situation.
UPDATE: Watch interview with Grand Chute Police regarding Sunday’s Shooting
MONDAY 2/1/2021 10:00 a.m.
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – A live interview with the Grand Chute Police Department is being held to provide information regarding the Sunday’s shooting incident.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL: Fox River Mall closed day after shooting incident
MONDAY 2/1/2021 6:30 a.m.
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – The Fox River Mall will be closed Monday to help assist with the ongoing investigation of the shooting incident.
According to the Fox River Mall, the mall will be shut down on Feb. 1 out of respect for the victims, their families, and in support of the investigation.
The stores and restaurants with an exterior entrance may open.
For more information regarding the operating hours visit their website.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL: Police looking for teen possibly involved in shooting incident inside Fox River Mall
SUNDAY 1/31/2021 11:30 p.m.
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – The Grand Chute Police Department has released more information on the shooting that happened at the Fox River Mall.
Multiple agencies responded to the mall around 3:30 p.m. for reports of an active shooter and shots fired inside the main corridor.
Once authorities arrived, they searched the area and found two victims. One victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was released from the hospital. The second victim, 19-year-old Jovanni Frausto, died as a result of his injuries.
With automatic and mutual aid agreements in place, an active shooter response was initiated bringing specialized Rescue Task Force resources from the City of Appleton and City of Kaukauna Fire Departments to the scene.
A search of the mall was conducted to find and safety escort everyone inside who had sheltered in place.
At this time, investigators are attempting to find 17-year-old Dezman V. Ellis for his involvement in this incident. They believe he is driving a 2012 Dodge Avenger with a Wisconsin license place AHP-7939.
The event is believed to have been targeted and Ellis is believed to be armed and dangerous.
If you have any information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of Dezman
Ellis, please contact the Grand Chute Police Department.
Multiple agencies and resources stayed on the scene for several hours assisting with the evacuation and reunification of those who were in the mall.
UPDATE: One person dead after shooting, no arrests made
Jan 31, 2021, 08:06 p.m.
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – According to police, one person has died from their injuries. One other person is injured.
Authorities from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the Fox River Mall around 3 p.m.
A witness Local 5 spoke to says he heard at least one gun shot.
Some officials will remain on the scene throughout the night and police do ask that anyone with information call the Grand Chute Police Department.
Local 5 will continue to update you on the situation when more information becomes available.
UPDATE: Authorities confirm two victims shot, suspect has not been arrested
SUNDAY 1/31/2021 6:17 p.m.
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities have given an update regarding the active situation at the Fox River Mall.
According to police, there are two victims and the alleged shooter is still on the loose. At this time, police believe they left before police responded to the scene.
Local 5 will continue to update you on the situation when more information becomes available.
Original Story: Active situation near Fox River Mall, residents asked to avoid area
SUNDAY 1/31/2021 4:17 p.m.
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WFRV) – Police are asking residents to avoid the area near the Fox River Mall in Grand Chute due to an active situation currently underway.
Grand Chute Police Department confirmed that there is an active situation near the mall and residents near the area should shelter in place and call 9-1-1 if they see anything suspicious.
No further details are available at this time, Local 5 is on the scene and will provide updates to this story as they become available.
