Widow of Slain Police Officer Discovers She Is Pregnant after Her Husband's Death

On February 6, Officer Matthew Rittner was killed in the line of duty while executing a search warrant. He left behind his son and wife who discovered bittersweet news after his passing.

Three days after his funeral she found out she was pregnant with their second child, a daughter.

Caroline Rittner is the wife of Officer Matthew Rittner, 35, who was shot to death in Wisconsin while serving a search warrant at the beginning of the year. On Monday, she revealed that she was expecting their second child.

Her friend Sarah Marie took to Facebook to share the news writing:

"Caroline was not able to share this blessing with Matthew. It’s an amazing blessing and Matthew’s legacy will not only be lived through their son but now their daughter who is expected to arrive into this world in October!"

Marie revealed the news three months since the officer was killed. When the officer died he was helping to serve a warrant for suspected illegal guns and drugs at a Milwaukee duplex.

A day after Caroline revealed the news, police Lt. Kristin Felsman shared her thoughts. She said: "[The news] was met with mixed emotions. Extremely joyful emotions because, [it's] another legacy of Matt, and obviously very sad emotions because Matt would not be there to share in the joy of a new life."

The late officer’s widow held a gender reveal party with her husband's unit. Pink balloons were released from a box to signal that she was having a girl who will be joining her son.

Sgt. Roberto Colon said the department would be there to support the family going forward. He stated:

"She knows that she can come anytime and knock on our door. She doesn't even have to. We're gonna be there bothering her all the time anyway. She'll probably have to kick us out of the house most of the time."

The man responsible for Matthew’s death, Jordan P. Fricke, 26, has pleaded not guilty to three charges. The charges include first-degree intentional homicide.

July 8 will be the beginning of his trial. A GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of the Rittner family.

Officer Rittner was shot while on the city’s south side at around 9:20 a.m. The news was revealed by Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales who spoke to reporters at a news conference.

The officer was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.