Former Milwaukee Police Officer Identified as West Bend Shooting Suspect

A former Milwaukee police officer is the suspected gunman in a West Bend shooting that left four people dead inside a residential home.

Inside the West Bend Home

West Bend police officers who entered the home found a man, a woman, a boy, and a girl dead, alongside a deceased dog. A second girl was taken to a hospital for treatment and is in stable condition.

Investigators recovered a firearm inside the residence that they believe was involved in the shooting, according to statements from the West Bend Police Department.

Sources: Suspect in deadly West Bend incident was former Milwaukee police officer

City of Milwaukee retirement records match the name of the suspect and list the former occupation as police officer. Two police sources confirmed to FOX6 News that the suspect retired over a decade ago and that the retirement was not duty-related.

West Bend police did say the suspect is believed to be among the deceased. FOX6 News and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel are withholding the suspect’s name pending formal identification by local authorities.

Victims Remain Unidentified as Community Members Create Memorial

The Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released the official identities or ages of the victims. Lt. Brian McAndrews of the West Bend Police Department noted that everyone inside the home was connected to one another, though investigators have not released a potential motive or a complete sequence of events. Lt.

Suspect in West Bend deaths a former Milwaukee police officer, sources say https://t.co/YH9OrCBdwA

— Post by @journalsentinel on X

“Everybody within the home is connected to one another,” said Lt. Brian McAndrews of the West Bend Police Department.

Outside the residence, a growing memorial of flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals marks the neighborhood’s grief. Local students who attended high school with one of the victims gathered near the site to mourn.

“I will forever cherish this family as it was my own,” Amelia Mortenson told FOX6 News. “We have lost three lovely angels and while the other is in the hospital for something she never could have handled.”

Kiera Timothy added that the victim would always smile and give the biggest hug, stating that they will miss her but she is in their hearts forever. Mortenson also described her as just the biggest blessing they could have ever had, noting that they are all going to miss her so much and adding that they were a welcoming family where the mom and the children were incredible.

The suspect in the West Bend family shooting is a former #Milwaukee police officer, according to multiple sources. Horrible story. Mother, 2 kids and dog deceased and another child lived. Former officer is also deceased.

— Post by @wisconsin_now on X

The West Bend Police Department continues to urge anyone with relevant information to contact investigators at 262-335-5000. Officials also noted that support is available for anyone experiencing domestic violence through Friends Inc. at 262-334-5598.

The Washington County Medical Examiner's Office and the West Bend Police Department have not yet announced when they will release the identities of the deceased or further details regarding the investigation.