Oak Creek Stabbing Suspect Was Arrested Prior to Murder: Police

OAK CREEK, WI — An Oak Creek man faces nearly 50 years behind bars after police say he's responsible for the stabbing death of his mother, 62-year-old Regina Rosebrock and injury to his stepfather, Edwin Rosebrock.

According to court documents, Stephen Cole, 45, faces charges of first-degree reckless homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety in connection with the Dec. 26 incident in Oak Creek.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, officers responded to the 3300 block of E. Woodview Ave. just after 10 p.m. on Dec. 26 on a report of a domestic violence incident. It was their third police call to their home in the last 24 hours.

Police say they initially stopped at their house to resolve a dispute between Cole and his parents over an apparent drinking issue of Cole's. Police say they responded hours later over the same issue, and arrested Cole on an apparent marijuana charge. The complaint stated that cole was issued a citation and later released.

According to Oak Creek police, Cole returned to his parent's house after his release. Regina Rosebrock was later discovered by officers on Dec. 26 as she lay unconscious in her living room. She had 13 stab wounds, investigators said. 50-year-old Edwin Rosebrock was found upstairs in a physical struggle with Cole.

Cole appeared in court on Dec. 29. During his initial appearance, the judge ordered Cole be submitted to a competency examination after his attorney told the court that there was a reason to believe that Cole was not competent to proceed.

Image Via Milwaukee County Jail