FOND DU LAC, WI – A Fond du Lac man is facing attempted homicide charges following a violent ax attack on his former girlfriend over the weekend, authorities said Sunday.
Hayden Daffinson, 34, was arrested after allegedly assaulting his 38-year-old ex-girlfriend at her residence while retrieving personal items, according to police. Responding officers found the woman with serious injuries, including severe cuts to her head, arms, and back. Police said she was bleeding heavily when first responders arrived at the home on East Merrill Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Authorities quickly provided aid and transported the victim to St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac. Due to the extent of her injuries, she was airlifted to Theda Medical Center in Neenah, where she underwent emergency surgery. By Sunday evening, her condition was stabilized, though officials noted her injuries were extensive.
Investigators say the attack occurred shortly after the victim ended her relationship with Daffinson. According to court documents, she told police Daffinson became violent as he was collecting his belongings, attacking her with a hatchet and repeatedly striking her around 25 times.
The victim sustained multiple skull fractures, broken arms, and deep wounds to her extremities and back. Police records indicate she pleaded for her life during the ordeal, promising not to contact police if she survived.
Daffinson fled the scene before officers arrived, triggering an urgent manhunt. Authorities located his vehicle several hours later near Germantown, west of Milwaukee. After a brief, high-speed chase—during which police say Daffinson drove over 110 mph—he was taken into custody and sent for a medical evaluation at a local hospital.
Police emphasized the swift response and cooperation among local agencies in tracking down the suspect. “This incident reflects the critical importance of partnerships and decisive action in protecting the community,” said Chief of Police Aaron Goldstein.
Daffinson now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide with domestic abuse and use of a dangerous weapon modifiers. Officials described the assault as one of the most violent cases witnessed in the region.
The defendant remains in the Fond du Lac County Jail with bail set at $5 million. Daffinson’s initial court appearance is scheduled for July 31.
Local authorities urge the public to support survivors of domestic violence and reinforce the community’s commitment to safety and resilience in the aftermath of such traumatic incidents.