Wauwatosa mayor believes police statements that community is safe
WAUWATOSA -- As of Wednesday, December 26th, Wauwatosa Police officials said no charges have been filed and they continue to pursue multiple leads in the case of slain Officer Jennifer Sebena. According to FOX6's media partners at the Wauwatosa Patch, Benjamin Sebena, Jennifer Sebena's husband, has been taken into custody.
At this time, reports do not indicate whether Benjamin Sebena is being held in connection with the murder of Jennifer Sebena. Benjamin Sebena has not been charged. Officials have not indicated whether Benjamin Sebena is the person of interest with whom they are working in this case.
Wauwatosa's Mayor, Kathy Ehley says she heard about Benjamin Sebena being taken into custody through news reports.
Ehley says the community has been supportive of the Wauwatosa Police Department despite the fact there hasn't yet been an arrest or charges filed in this case.
"It seems to me whoever was going to do this was going to high tail it out of this neighborhood as soon as he could," neighbor Bruce Klainot said.
Jennifer Sebena was found dead near Underwood and Harmonee in downtown Wauwatosa early Monday morning, December 24th. Officials say Sebena died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
Sebena, in her second year on the force, was patrolling alone overnight. When she didn’t respond to calls for service, her fellow officers searched for her.
Police have not said exactly where Sebena was located, but police tape and officers with weapons visible surrounded the area around the downtown Wauwatosa firehouse.
Just a few hours after Sebena was found, police told residents in the area they were safe. They said they were canvassing the area, but said the community was safe even though they had no suspects.
"I was concerned (initially), but then I had the confidence in the police force that they said there wasn't any concern for the residents who live around here, so I trust their service," neighbor Dan Truesdale said.
"I just know that Tosa cops will go out there and protect us, and they're always going to be there for us," neighbor Carly Michelz said.
On Wednesday, Mayor Ehley said she believes what police have been saying throughout this investigation.
"I talked to many people over the last few days and what we have talked about is we have great trust and faith and admiration of our police department. They would not put us in harm`s way. They did an incredible job of marking off the perimeter of the crime scene area. They did a thorough check for hours during the day, going through the neighborhoods. They did their due diligence and I have confidence with what the lieutenant said is what we all need to take to heart. Every case, you want to see solved quickly. It is my hope that will happen, but we just have to wait and see," Ehley said.
In a joint news release on Wednesday afternoon, Wauwatosa Police officials and the Department of Justice confirmed they were working with a person of interest, but that no charges have been filed. When asked whether the person of interest is Benjamin Sebena, a DOJ spokeswoman said "no comment."
Benjamin Sebena is a Marine, seen in a YouTube video sharing stories about his time serving in Iraq. While overseas, he met his future wife, Jennifer on MySpace.
Lt. Witkowski says Officer Sebena graduated from MATC’s Police Academcy and began working with the Wauwatosa Police Department. Lt. Witkowski described her as a great person and officer.
Police continue to urge anyone with information to contact the Wauwatosa Police Department at 414-771-8672.