Trial for accused cop killer underway

Jefferson – Prosecutors dropped three charges against Andrew J. Wirth today prior to his trial for allegedly slaying a Town of Oconomowoc police officer and her boyfriend outside of a Jefferson bar early Dec. 6.

Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Weston granted District Attorney Susan Happ’s motion to have of three counts of first-degree reckless endangering safety dismissed.

Wirth, 25, of Jefferson, is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for the death of officer Jennifer Luick, 37, and her boyfriend Gregg Peters, 40, outside of Vinnie’s Rock Bottom tavern.

According to the criminal complaint, Luick pinched Wirth in the buttocks, an act  that eventually led to a confrontation outside the bar between Wirth and Peters. Wirth then allegedly shot Peters three times, with one bullet also hitting Luick.

Happ told jurors in her opening argument Luick was a “beautiful, confident, vibrant woman” who was being “silly, including pinching.” Happ said the actions were not intended to be mean but “a playful gesture.”

“One person took great offense,” she said referring to Wirth.

“This was not a friendly pinch that led to provocative behavior,” said Samuel Benedict, Wirth’s attorney in his opening argument. “This was a confrontation that did not have to happen.”

“Andrew Wirth had no choice to use a weapon to a direct threat against his life,” said Benedict, who said Wirth acted in self defense. Benedict indicated Wirth may testify as part of his defense.