Sad Christmas Day in Wauwatosa after policewoman's murder, investigation ongoing

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WAUWATOSA - Folks in Wauwatosa had heavy hearts on Christmas Day, as police pursued what they called “multiple investigative leads” in Monday’s murder of officer Jennifer Sebena.

She was found shot-to-death around five in the morning, two hours after she failed to respond to a radio call from a dispatcher. The state Justice Department is heading up the investigation. There were no suspects at last word, and ‘Tosa Police have asked for the public’s help.

Wauwatosa shares its eastern border with the city of Milwaukee – and until now, the community of 46,000 has never had a police officer killed on duty in the department’s 90-year history. The police station’s flag was at half-staff on Christmas. Numerous people have left comments on a Facebook page dedicated to the 30-year-old Sebena – ranging from those who used to work with her at Kohl’s Department Stores and U.S. Cellular to strangers who thanked her for service in law enforcement. Some also left messages for her widower, Benjamin Sebena, a Marine who served twice in Iraq and was wounded in a mortar attack that killed a friend. Jennifer Sebena would have celebrated her second anniversary on the ‘Tosa police force next month. She had been on solo patrols since July. Her probation had been delayed due to a training injury, and she had completed her probation just last month.

The birth of Jesus was not the only thing remembered at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wauwatosa on Christmas. They’ve also been praying for the family of police officer Jennifer Sebena. The church canceled its Christmas Eve service and pageant, due to the extensive criminal investigation in the vicinity on Monday. Pastor Gary Manning led parishioners in a prayer vigil to help those struggling with the crime. Manning said God holds the living and the dead in his hand and quote, “We give you thanks for Jennifer Sebena.”

Tags: news, wisconsin, crime