Benjamin Sebena makes court appearance, bail set at $1 million

WAUWATOSA -- Benjamin Sebena, the husband of slain Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena was arrested and booked Wednesday night, December 26th into the Milwaukee County Jail on a tentative charge of first-degree intentional homicide in connection with his wife's death. On Thursday, he was officially charged.

Following a court appearance on Thursday afternoon, Benjamin Sebena's bail was set at $1 million.

Benjamin Sebena appeared in court in a wheelchair, with extra security around him. He also appeared to have family on hand to support him, and they were, at times, very emotional.

Jennifer Sebena was found dead near Underwood and Harmonee in downtown Wauwatosa early Monday morning, December 24th. Officials say Sebena died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

Sebena, in her second year on the force, was patrolling alone overnight. When she didn’t respond to calls for service, her fellow officers searched for her. Jennifer Sebena was found dead outside the Wauwatosa Fire Department near Underwood Ave.

In court on Thursday, Benjamin Sebena made no eye contact with anyone in the gallery, but a few people, who appeared to be loved ones, sat directly behind him. A young woman wept loudly and another man, with some kind of message written on his palm, sat with that hand up against the glass.

The man described by prosecutors in court did not sound like a loving family man.

"It's very clear that he's a very unstable person at this point in his life," a prosecutor said.

In the criminal complaint in this case, Benjamin Sebena admitted to authorities he was jealous of other men in regards to his wife. He also told detectives he had been stalking Jennifer for several days. 

Benjamin Sebena told officials when he saw her leave the Wauwatosa Fire Department on Christmas Eve morning, he began to shoot. Jennifer Sebena was reportedly shot in the head five times.

The criminal complaint indicates Benjamin Sebena shot Jennifer twice with a gun of his own, and three more times with her own service weapon.

After bail was set, Benjamin Sebena was wheeled back into the jail, while officers with Wauwatosa and West Allis watched. On their badge was a black mourning band -- signifying an officer that died in the line of duty.

If convicted in this case, Benjamin Sebena faces life in prison.

CLICK HERE for more coverage on the Jennifer Sebena murder case via FOX6Now.com.