Man Accused of Wausau Stabbing Has Trial Pushed Back to June

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 -- 10:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU)The man accused of stabbing a 40-year-old on the city’s west side in 2023 will not be tried this summer as previously scheduled.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, instead, Jason Hopinka has been scheduled for a three-day trial from December 10th through the 12th after his defense team rejected a plea offer from the state on Monday.

Court records show the 40-year-old has requested to go to trial instead of taking the deal, described as a “final offer.” Hopinka is accused of stabbing another man inside a home on 4th Avenue in Wausau.

When police arrived at the scene, neither the victim nor the suspect were present. About three hours later the victim arrived at a local hospital for treatment. Hopinka was identified as the suspect and arrested in rural Marathon County later that afternoon.

The victim was stabbed in the face and survived the incident. Hopinka faces nearly 20 years in prison if found guilty on both felony counts. A jury status hearing will be held on November 12th. The trial had originally been scheduled for mid-July.

The case was also scheduled for trial in mid-February, but that was pushed back as well.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.