Additional Coverage:
- Disturbing mugshot shows purple-faced deer hunter after allegedly gunning down his friends (themirror.com)
A Wisconsin man faces serious charges after allegedly opening fire on his longtime hunting companions in a shocking and deadly incident.
According to a criminal complaint, 67-year-old Ricky Roundy was spending time with a close friend, identified only as “Victim #2,” when 75-year-old Brent Hofman unexpectedly arrived at Roundy’s home. The two hunters, who had shared nearly a decade of deer hunting trips, were caught off guard when Hofman pulled a handgun from behind a bar and ominously told them, “I hope you’ll excuse me if I have to kill you guys,” without any apparent provocation.
The situation quickly escalated as Hofman began shooting indiscriminately, fatally wounding Roundy. The surviving hunter managed to escape into another building on the property, where he armed himself and called 911. During the call, he warned dispatchers that if Hofman came near a nearby window, “he is f——dead.”
In the ensuing confrontation, the survivor fired through a glass door while Hofman pursued him. The door shattered, injuring Hofman with glass fragments embedded in his face.
Law enforcement officers arrested Hofman after he initially resisted commands. Investigators noted that he appeared intoxicated and was slurring his words at the time of his arrest.
The surviving victim described Hofman as somewhat of a recluse who had never caused any problems before this incident. “We never had any issues with him,” the witness told authorities. They recalled that the three had shared drinks and hunting stories earlier in the evening with no signs of conflict.
When first responders took Hofman into custody, he seemed confused about why he had been shot. After learning the officers had not fired at him, he reportedly said “thank you” and “I love you.”
Hofman now faces first-degree intentional homicide charges. Shawano County District Attorney Gregory Parker condemned the act, calling it “a killing in cold blood.” The community remains stunned by the tragic loss and the violent turn of events between longtime acquaintances.