Police Officer Gerald William Hempe

Gerald William Hempe

Officers Gerald Hempe and Charles Smith 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.

Officer Hempe had been a member of the Milwaukee Police Department for six years.