DA determines deputy’s actions were justified in shooting of double homicide suspect in Portage County – WSAW

Incident Report: Justified Use of Force in Portage County Double Homicide

Executive Summary

This report details an incident on July 6 in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, involving the deaths of two individuals and the subsequent non-fatal shooting of the primary suspect by law enforcement. The Portage County District Attorney has determined the officer’s use of force was justified. The events underscore challenges and responses related to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which seeks to significantly reduce all forms of violence and promote the rule of law through accountable institutions.

• Victims: Paula Shulfer, 52, and Dale Shulfer, 53.
• Suspect: John Shulfer, 35, son of the victims.
• Outcome: The suspect was apprehended after being shot and wounded by a deputy. He faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide.
• Official Finding: The District Attorney concluded the deputy’s actions were justified to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm, aligning with the principles of maintaining public safety and justice.

Incident Chronology and Initial Findings

1. On July 6, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at a residence on Krogwold Road.
2. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Dale Shulfer in the driveway and the body of Paula Shulfer in the garage. Both victims had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
3. Investigators identified the victims’ son, John Shulfer, as a person of interest and learned that two children were also present at the residence.

Law Enforcement Engagement and Use of Force

1. A 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office encountered an armed individual, later identified as John Shulfer, on the east side of the residence. The suspect was holding a pistol in each hand.
2. The deputy issued a verbal command: “Sheriff’s Office, show me your hands!”
3. The suspect turned towards the deputy and began to raise one of the pistols.
4. Perceiving an imminent threat, the deputy fired his rifle three times, striking the suspect.
5. The suspect, John Shulfer, fell and surrendered. He was found to have three pistols in his immediate vicinity.

Investigation and Adherence to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The subsequent investigation and official review highlight the critical role of effective institutions in addressing violence and ensuring justice, directly reflecting the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1 (Reduce all forms of violence): The incident represents a severe breach of peace, resulting in two deaths. The law enforcement response, however, was critical in preventing further violence and apprehending the suspect, thereby contributing to the restoration of safety and order.
• Target 16.6 (Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions): The District Attorney’s formal review of the use of force demonstrates institutional accountability. The determination that the deputy’s actions were “objectively reasonable and justified” affirms the proper functioning of justice mechanisms designed to oversee law enforcement and uphold the rule of law.
• John Shulfer has been booked on charges of first-degree intentional homicide and will proceed through the justice system, ensuring due process.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The violent deaths of Paula and Dale Shulfer represent a tragic failure to ensure well-being and security within the family unit.
• In line with universal health principles, the suspect, John Shulfer, received immediate medical transport and care for three gunshot wounds. He is expected to recover, ensuring his right to health is respected while he awaits legal proceedings.

Conclusion

The Portage County District Attorney, Cass Cousins, has cleared the involved officer of any wrongdoing, concluding that the use of deadly force was necessary and justified. John Shulfer, having admitted to shooting the victims during a hospital interview, faces homicide charges. The case highlights the function of law enforcement and the justice system in responding to extreme violence, directly aligning with the objectives of SDG 16 to build a more peaceful and just society through strong, accountable institutions.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

The primary Sustainable Development Goal connected to the issues highlighted in the article is:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” The article’s content, which revolves around a double homicide, the use of deadly force by law enforcement, and the subsequent legal process, directly relates to the core themes of violence reduction, justice, and the role of state institutions.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets under SDG 16 can be identified:

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   The article explicitly details a violent event resulting in death. The discovery of Paula and Dale Shulfer, who had been “shot and killed,” and the booking of their son on “charges of first-degree intentional homicide” are direct instances of the violence and related deaths that this target aims to reduce.

2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   The involvement of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation into the incident, and the formal statement by the District Attorney exemplify the rule of law in action. The DA’s determination that the “officer’s actions were justified to prevent further harm” and that they were “objectively reasonable and justified” shows the legal and institutional process for accountability. Furthermore, filing homicide charges against the suspect, John Shulfer, is a key step in providing access to justice for the victims.

3. Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions… to prevent violence and combat… crime.

   The article describes the functioning of local institutions responsible for combating crime. The response of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office to a welfare check, the actions of the deputy in confronting an armed suspect, and the investigative work that followed demonstrate the capacity of these institutions. The District Attorney’s office serves as another key institution, providing legal oversight and ensuring the judicial process moves forward.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article mentions or implies information that can be used as data points for specific SDG indicators:

• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.

  The article provides direct data for this indicator. It states that two people, “Paula Shulfer, 52 and Dale Shulfer, 53,” were victims of an intentional homicide. This information—two deaths, with names, ages, and the nature of the crime—is precisely the type of data collected to measure this indicator.

• Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.

  While the victims could not report the crime, the process was initiated by a “welfare check” call to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office. This implies that a concerned party reported a potential issue to the competent authorities, triggering the official response and investigation, which aligns with the spirit of this indicator.

• Qualitative evidence for the functioning of just institutions (related to Target 16.3).

  The article provides a narrative of institutional accountability. The District Attorney’s public statement, “I have determined law enforcement’s use of deadly force was necessary… and I clear them of any wrongdoing,” serves as a qualitative indicator that a formal review process by a competent legal authority took place. This demonstrates an accountable institution in practice.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: wsaw.com