This browser does not support the Video element.
Court documents released ahead of sentencing for Benjamin Sebena
Court documents released ahead of sentencing for Benjamin Sebena
WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Benjamin Sebena has pleaded guilty to killing his wife, Jennifer Sebena in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, as Jennifer was serving as a Wauwatosa Police Officer. On Friday, August 9th, a judge will give Sebena his sentence.
Newly released documents detail what may have triggered a severe case of PTSD, and Sebena's parents' plea for mercy.
Letter from Benjamin Sebena parents.pdf
Benjamin Sebena sentencing memorandum.pdf
The documents outline some of the violence Benjamin Sebena both witnessed and inflicted while in Iraq.
His counsel argues while he may not be insane, he was certainly not acting rationally when he shot his wife to death on Christmas Eve.
The documents also reveal what Sebena says was his motive.
The documents show the former Marine has nightmares and is haunted by 68 confirmed kills overseas, including an Iraqi adolescent who reportedly opened fire on Sebena's platoon.
Sebena was honorably discharged in 2005, receiving the Purple Heart after suffering serious injuries in an attack.
The documents show that in early 2012, Sebena fell into a deep depression. That February, he sent his parents a letter, asking them to respect his privacy while he tried to heal.
However, Sebena's demons remained, and in the week before the shooting, Sebena says he told his wife he wanted to kill himself.
According to Sebena, Jennifer said that if he did, she would commit suicide herself.
Fearing that would deny her access to heaven, Benjamin Sebena decided he would kill Jennifer, and then kill himself.
Sebena says when he tried to shoot himself, the gun did not go off.
When questioned by police, Sebena confessed to killing his wife.
During Friday's sentencing, the judge will consider the words of family members, including Sebena's parents. Their seven-page letter ends with a plea for mercy -- that Ben, in his illness, thought he was helping Jennifer.
The documents also include letters from other relatives and family friends. They all paint a picture of a man who changed completely after two tours in Iraq -- a man who slowly distanced himself from his family and his church.
Their hope is that Sebena's sentence will include the possibility of parole.