SHAWANO, Wis. — A 75-year-old man charged with homicide and attempted homicide has pleaded not guilty following a deadly shooting in November. Brent Hofman is accused of fatally shooting 67-year-old Rick Roundy during a gathering that began with drinks and discussions about hunting in the town of Germania.
Hofman remains in custody, facing a $1 million cash bond, as the case is set to move forward with a status conference on July 8 in Shawano County Circuit Court. Prosecutors allege that after an evening of camaraderie, Hofman unexpectedly turned violent, shooting Roundy and pursuing another man who managed to escape.
According to the criminal complaint, the three men had previously been friends, connected through shared hunting grounds. The evening had been uneventful until Hofman, after consuming alcohol, reportedly picked up a firearm and made alarming remarks about killing them. Despite the tone of the gathering, a witness noted that there had been no prior arguments and that Hofman had never expressed such violent thoughts before.
The surviving witness, whose identity has not been disclosed, described Hofman as somewhat eccentric but stated that their interactions had always been without conflict. Details from the complaint indicate the shooting occurred abruptly, leaving Roundy incapacitated inside the garage, prompting the survivor to barricade himself in another structure on the property while calling for help.
As the witness called 911, he alerted the dispatcher that Hofman was still a threat. When Hofman approached, the witness fired a shot through glass in self-defense, injuring Hofman and leaving him with significant cuts to his face. Upon arrival, deputies noted Hofman’s apparent intoxication, contributing to the chaotic scene.
Statements made by Hofman after authorities intervened added to the peculiar nature of the incident. He reportedly questioned a deputy about why he was shot and expressed gratitude toward law enforcement, suggesting a level of confusion about the circumstances.
Charged with first-degree intentional homicide in Roundy’s death and attempted first-degree intentional homicide for targeting the second man, Hofman faces severe penalties if convicted. The charges carry a dangerous weapon enhancer and, given Roundy’s age, an escalated sentence is possible, as first-degree intentional homicide could result in a mandatory life sentence in Wisconsin.
Before entering his not guilty plea, Hofman had undergone a preliminary hearing, which determined sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The upcoming status conference in July will likely clarify the timeline ahead, including discussions about possible resolutions or motions.
Roundy, described by family as a devoted grandfather and a seasoned member of the local hunting community, was well-known to both Hofman and the surviving witness. The incident, which unfolded in a rural garage rather than a public venue, highlights the tragic and unexpected nature of the violence.
As this case progresses, many questions remain unanswered. No clear motive for Hofman’s actions has emerged, and the defense has yet to formally present its argument in court. For now, the focus remains on the evidence and testimonies that could shape this unsettling case, with the next court date approaching on July 8.