WAUSAU (WAOW) - A judge ruled Monday that a 21-year-old Wausau man accused of shooting a rifle at some relatives as they played cards is not competent to stand trial, according to online Marathon County court records.
Kyle Schaefer was charged with one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide and three counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety in the May 3 incident at a rural Wausau home where he lived.
Investigators say Schaefer fired at least three shots from a .22-caliber rifle as he emerged from the home's basement as his relatives played cards. He was arrested without incident. An aunt and uncle were wounded in the shooting, police said.
Circuit Judge Mike Moran earlier ordered that Schaefer undergo a psychiatric evaluation at an in-patient hospital, court records said. Moran accepted the doctor's findings Monday.
By finding Schaefer incompetent, the judge determined he cannot understand the court proceedings and assist with his defense, Deputy District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon said Monday.
The case will be suspended for up to a year while Schaefer is hospitalized at a mental institution and treated, she said.
Doctors believe Schaefer's competency can be restored and will provide reports on progress toward that goal every 90 days, Wetzsteon said.
She declined comment on what is causing Schaefer to be found incompetent now.