Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch Wednesday, January 31, 1973
Add to My HeroesCharles T. Smith
Police Officers Charles Smith and Gerald Hempe were shot and killed during a traffic stop.
While attempting to arrest the driver of the vehicle, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, a bystander who witnessed the stop walked up to the officers and opened fire, striking them both in the neck and head. The bystander had nothing to do with the stop.
The suspect was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences on June 12, 1973. He was denied parole in 2010. As of October 16, 2022, he was still in prison. He has a parole hearing on May 11, 2023.
Officer Smith was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Milwaukee Police Department for eight months. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 8 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Related LODD Deaths
Police Officer Gerald William Hempe
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: January 31, 1973
Most Recent Reflection
View all 27 ReflectionsOfficer Smith,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
January 31, 2023
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