A Wisconsin deer hunting gathering turned fatal when a 75-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his longtime hunting companion without warning during what had been a peaceful evening of conversation and drinks.

Unprovoked Attack in Shawano County

Brent Hofman faces first-degree intentional homicide charges after allegedly shooting 67-year-old Ricky Roundy to death in November 2025. According to court documents, Hofman arrived at Roundy’s residence with a pistol after drinking. The three men shared cocktails in Roundy’s detached garage and discussed deer hunting with no apparent conflict or tension between them during the evening.

Without warning, Hofman allegedly retrieved a handgun from behind a bar and announced, “I hope you’ll excuse me if I have to kill you guys.” The surviving hunter told investigators Hofman immediately began firing for no reason. Roundy was struck and killed. The survivor escaped the garage, armed himself, and barricaded inside another building on the property while calling 911.

Glass-Embedded Face After Pursuit

As Hofman pursued the survivor, the terrified hunter fired through a glass door. When the door shattered, glass fragments embedded in Hofman’s face, causing severe injuries and deep bruising visible in his mugshot. Deputies found Hofman slurring his words and appearing heavily intoxicated when they arrived. He initially refused verbal commands before being taken into custody.

When first responders arrested him, Hofman questioned why he had been shot. After officers clarified they had not shot him, he reportedly said “thank you” and “I love you.” The survivor described Hofman as “a bit weird” and a “hermit” but stated they never had issues with him before the shooting.

Cold-Blooded Killing

Shawano County District Attorney Gregory Parker minced no words when describing the case. “I can’t put this thing any other way, but this is a killing in cold blood,” Parker said. The survivor told investigators the decade-long hunting friendship showed no warning signs. Nothing either man said that evening could have provoked such violence. Hofman had never made threatening statements during previous gatherings or hunting trips together.