Man found competent to stand trial in parents’ deaths

STEVENS POINT — John Shulfer has been deemed competent to stand trial in the July 6, 2025 deaths of his parents.
Shulfer was originally deemed competent to stand trial in Sept. 2025, but that ruling was reversed only weeks later. By Dec. 2025, Shulfer was still deemed not competent for trial, but would likely become competent.
On July 9, Shulfer appeared in Portage County court for another competency hearing. After reviewing the competency report and Shulfer stating he himself believes he is competent, the court ruled that he is competent to stand trial.
Shulfer is facing seven felony charges in relation to the July 6 shooting of his parents, Dale and Paula Shulfer. Dale and Paula Shulfer were found deceased on their property from gunshot wounds. Upon law enforcement arrival, Shulfer was found nearby and in possession of a pistol. He was then shot by a deputy. While in the hospital and recovering from three gunshot wounds, John Shulfer confessed to shooting Dale and Paula.
Shulfer’s charges include two counts of first degree intentional homicide with the modifiers of domestic abuse and use of a dangerous weapon, two counts of causing mental harm to a child with the modifier of use of a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. All seven charges include the modifier of repeater.
He remains in custody on a $2,000,000 cash bond.