‘I hope you’ll excuse me if I have to kill you guys’: Elderly man pleads not guilty to shooting drinking buddy
05/22/2026 10:30 am PDT
SHAWANO, Wis. (TCN) -- A 75-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with the fatal 2025 shooting of his friend.
Law & Crime reports that Brent Hofman was drinking whiskey with two of his hunting buddies in a garage on Nov. 14, 2025, when the shooting occurred. According to a criminal complaint obtained by the outlet, Hofman was drinking with 67-year-old Ricky Roundy and another man identified only as Victim #2. The three knew each other through a hunting property they all used.
According to Victim #2, Hofman was “a bit weird” and “a hermit sort of dude” and on the night in question, he allegedly pulled out a pistol and said, “I hope you’ll excuse me if I have to kill you guys.” Hofman then allegedly began firing at the men, hitting Roundy, who died.
Victim #2 said he fled the garage and locked himself in a building on the property, armed with a rifle for protection, before dialing 911. He told dispatchers Hofman was looking for him and trying to kill him, according to Law & Crime. Victim #2 shot through a glass door in self-defense when Hofman allegedly approached with his weapon, injuring Hofman’s face. When police arrived, they took Hofman into custody and he was reportedly very intoxicated. He allegedly told the deputy he loved him.
WAOW reports Hofman was arrested on the scene but then taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries before being booked into jail.
According to Shawano County District Attorney Gregory Parker, “I can’t put this thing any other way, but this is a killing in cold blood,” WSAW reports.
On May 21, Hofman pleaded not guilty to the counts and is scheduled to appear again in court on July 8 for a status conference, per WGBA. If Hofman is convicted, each charge carries an automatic life sentence with the possibility of parole after 20 years, according to WAOW.
Hofman remains in jail on $1 million cash bond, according to WSAW.
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