Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch Wednesday, January 31, 1973
Add to My HeroesGerald William Hempe
Officers Gerald Hempe and Charles Smith were shot and killed during a traffic stop at 10:06 pm.
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, 27, 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. He has another parole hearing on May 11, 2023. As of October 16, 2022, he was in prison.
Officer Hempe had served with the Milwaukee Police Department for six years.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 6 years, 2 months
- Badge 1356
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Related LODD Deaths
Police Officer Charles T. Smith
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: January 31, 1973
Most Recent Reflection
View all 25 ReflectionsOfficer Hempe,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Milwaukee. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
January 31, 2023
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