Benjamin Sebena, accused of killing his wife, changes plea



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Benjamin Sebena, the man accused of killing his wife, Wauwatosa Police Officer Jennifer Sebena on Christmas Eve 2012, changed his plea to criminal charges in court on Friday afternoon, March 1st.

Sebena originally pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Thursday, January 24th. But on Friday, clad in a suicide prevention vest, he changed his plea to not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Sebena is accused of shooting his wife several times in the face as she left the Wauwatosa Fire Department while on duty early Christmas Eve morning.

Police documents show Sebena, a former Marine who was nearly killed in Iraq, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Lawyers say PTSD is strong enough for a defense. Attorney Jonathan LaVoy says it can be a tough defense case, and says Sebena’s lawyers would need to prove there was no premeditation.

As Friday's proceedings wrapped up, Sebena gave a slight wave before exiting. Pending any other complications, Sebena's trial is now set to begin on Monday, July 8th.

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