Portage County Man Accused of Killing His Parents Still Not Competent for Trial

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 -- 9:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Portage County man accused of killing his parents last summer is still not competent for trial, according to the results of an evaluation.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, John Shulfer was in court on Tuesday, where his defense team requested a pause in the proceedings. With no objection from the state, the request was granted.

A judge then set a status conference for March 2nd. Shulfer was previously found competent for trial during a hearing on September 10th. The decision was reversed about two weeks later, when he was found not competent during a second hearing on September 23rd.

Doctors believe Shulfer will become competent to aid in his defense within a year. The 35-year-old is accused of shooting Paula and Dale Shulfer at their home in rural Portage County in July.

He was armed when police confronted him, and was shot after he refused orders to drop his weapon. He was hospitalized but survived the injuries. Two children were also present at the scene.

Shulfer faces seven felony counts, including two for intentional homicide and two for causing mental harm to a child. The most serious charges carry an automatic life sentence.

He remains jailed on a $2 million cash bond. The officer who shot him was justified, according to the results of an investigation.

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