Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin
End of Watch: Thursday, December 18, 1924
Age:
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 776
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 18, 1924
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Police Officer Walter Luedtke was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance at a house on 5th Street between Clarke Street and Wright Street.
As he escorted the female out of the house the male opened fire, fatally wounding him. The man attempted to flee but was subdued by his own brother until other officers arrived. The incident occurred only a few houses away from Officer Luedtke's own house and the shots were heard by his family.
The 34-year-old subject was convicted of Officer Luedtke's murder and sentenced to life in prison on February 11th, 1925. He was granted a parole in May of 1941 with the condition that he be deported to England. Because of the war immigration officials were unable to deport him, so he remained in Waupun Prison. A year later he was considered for a pardon, but a decision was not made because of his outspoken hatred for the U.S. and her allies and his support for Adolf Hitler.
Officer Luedtke had served with the Milwaukee Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and 4-year-old daughter.