Jordan Fricke sentenced to life in prison without parole in shooting of officer Matthew Rittner

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Jordan Fricke, the man who shot and killed Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner near 12th and Manitoba in February, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Thursday, Oct. 3. Officer Rittner was the third MPD officer to die in the line of duty in eight months.

Fricke, 27, was convicted by a jury July 12 on four counts — first-degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon, first-degree recklessly endangering safety, use of a dangerous weapon (two counts), and maintaining a drug trafficking place. He faces a mandatory life sentence.

Ahead of sentencing, letters filed in court painted a picture of the hurt and anguish felt by those who knew both Fricke and Officer Rittner — a 17-year veteran of the force, and a Marine Corps veteran.

On Feb. 6, members of the Milwaukee Police Department's Tactical Enforcement Unit were executing a warrant outside Fricke's home near 12th and Manitoba. Prosecutors argued officers announced their presence several times before Rittner was then tasked with breaking down the door. Prosecutors said Fricke shot through a hole in the door — striking Rittner in the chest. The criminal complaint said Fricke told investigators after his arrest that he did not think it was actually the police trying to get inside.

During trial, Fricke testified in his own defense, telling the jury he was unable to hear police or see police announcing themselves. Instead, he believed someone was breaking into his home. When the defense attorney asked whether he had any intent to kill someone, Fricke said, “No.” When asked what he intended to do that day, Fricke said, “To defend myself.”

A fellow Marine wrote one of many letters filed prior to sentencing, saying, “Marines came home alive because of what Matthew did.” His widow's father said, “Nothing can prepare you for hearing the cries of your daughter, wondering why her husband has been killed. Your grandson asking out of the blue, when is Daddy coming home?”