Police say robbery attempt preceded Milwaukee slayings and fire, seek charges against 2 felons

Cops: Robbery attempt preceded Wis. slayings, fire

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police say they will ask prosecutors to charge two felons with killing two women and two children in a case that began with a robbery attempt.

Lt. Thomas Stigler tells the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Brittney Robertson believed roommate Rachel Thompson had a large amount of cash in their duplex.

Stigler says Robertson, her boyfriend and another man attempted to rob Thompson last week and wound up killing her and two of her children, ages three and four. He says they then set a fire at the duplex to cover up the crime.

Police say the three fled with Thompson’s 6-week-old son, who was found in a baby carrier outside a church.

Stigler says one of the two men later shot Robertson in the head after her photo was released to the public. Court records show both men have lengthy criminal records.

Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, www.jsonline.com