Former Milwaukee Officer Named in West Bend Family Deaths
Police identified 54-year-old David Slawnikowski as the suspect in the West Bend incident that claimed four lives.
By Grace Almasi ·
A former Milwaukee police officer was named as the suspect in a deadly West Bend incident that left four people dead inside a Washington Street home.
West Bend Police Department officials confirmed the identity of the deceased suspect as 54-year-old David Slawnikowski. Multiple law enforcement sources told TMJ4 that Slawnikowski was a former Milwaukee officer. The Milwaukee Employees’ Retirement System executive director verified that Slawnikowski retired on disability benefits in 2012 after serving more than 13 years.
Officers responded to the residence on Saturday and found a man, a woman, a boy, and a girl dead inside. A family dog was also found dead. A young girl was transported to the hospital and remains in stable condition according to the latest police update.
West Bend police stated that everyone found in the home was connected to one another. Investigators believe the suspect was present in the house at the time of the incident. A firearm believed to be involved in the event was recovered from the property.
The investigation remains active as of Monday. A police spokesperson said the department will not release the names of the three deceased victims to respect their families and protect the identity of the surviving girl. Details regarding the specific cause of the deaths have not yet been released.
Neighbors have placed balloons, teddy bears, and flowers along the edge of the Washington Street property as a memorial for the family.
