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

Thursday, September 25th, 2025 -- 11:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Portage County man accused of killing his parents in July has been deemed not competent for trial and committed for treatment.

According to Mike leischner with WSAU, John Shulfer was found incompetent on Tuesday, with court officials noting he would likely become competent with proper treatment and medication.

He was turned over to the state Department of Health Services for treatment and will return to court for an update on December 2nd. The 35-year-old is accused of killing his parents, Paula and Dale, at their home in rural Portage County back in July.

He faces several felonies, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, which carry an automatic life sentence. Two children were also at the home at the time of the incident.

They were turned over to other family members. Shulfer was shot and injured by officers when he refused commands to drop his weapon. He was treated and released at a local hospital before he was charged in late July.

Additional charges against him include being a felon in possession of a firearm and causing mental harm to a child. An outside investigation found that the officer involved in the response was justified in their use of lethal force.

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