Paula L. Shulfer, a 52-year-old White/Caucasian woman, was shot and killed on July 6, 2025, at the rural Portage County home she shared with her husband, Dale Shulfer, near Amherst Junction in the Town of New Hope. What began that Sunday evening as a request for deputies to conduct a welfare check quickly became the discovery of a double homicide. The welfare check was requested after the mother of two children at the residence was unable to reach their grandmother, who was supposed to participate in a custody exchange that evening.
When the first Portage County sheriff's deputy reached the Krogwold Road property, Dale Shulfer was found outside in the driveway, already dead from gunshot wounds. Deputies learned that Paula, the couple's son John Shulfer, and two young children could still be somewhere on the property. Officers established a perimeter around the farmhouse, which was surrounded by woods and fields. Paula was subsequently found dead from gunshot wounds in the attached garage. The two children were located in the basement and were physically unharmed.
The severity of the attack became clearer as the criminal investigation progressed. According to information from the criminal complaint, a medical examiner determined that Paula had sustained 12 gunshot wounds involving her legs, arms, torso and head. Dale had suffered nine gunshot wounds. Investigators later interviewed the children who had been inside the home, and authorities alleged that they had witnessed their father, John Shulfer, shoot their grandparents. One of the children reportedly described seeing John arguing with and threatening Paula while armed before the shooting began. Investigators alleged that after the gunfire, John directed the children to go into the basement and watch television.
Deputies were still trying to locate John when a veteran sheriff's deputy moved around the eastern side of the property in the darkness. Authorities said the deputy encountered John outside carrying what appeared to be pistols in both hands. The deputy ordered him to show his hands, but investigators said John turned toward the deputy and began raising the hand holding a pistol. The deputy fired three rounds, striking John. Officers immediately moved in and provided medical aid. Two pistols were recovered close to where he fell, and a third firearm was also found near his body. John survived the officer-involved shooting and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
While John was hospitalized, investigators interviewed him about the deaths. The Portage County District Attorney later reported that John admitted shooting both victims and acknowledged possessing a pistol when the deputy shot him. Court records and subsequent reporting alleged that he told investigators he had fired at his mother and her husband but claimed he believed he was defending himself during an argument connected to his drinking. Investigators said his account substantially understated the number of times the victims had actually been shot. The prosecution has treated the shootings as intentional homicides rather than an act of lawful self-defense.
An independent investigation was also conducted into the deputy's decision to shoot John. Portage County District Attorney Cass Cousins reviewed law-enforcement reports, medical records, recorded statements, photographs, body-camera footage and other evidence. In July 2025, Cousins concluded that the deputy's use of deadly force was justified because the armed suspect's actions presented an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm. The deputy was cleared of wrongdoing in the officer-involved shooting.
After John was medically discharged, authorities took him into custody. Prosecutors filed seven felony charges, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of causing mental harm to a child and three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. The homicide allegations also carried dangerous-weapon, domestic-abuse and repeater provisions where applicable. A judge set a $2 million cash bond, and John remained incarcerated as the criminal case moved forward. The intentional-homicide charges expose him to life imprisonment if he is convicted.
The case was delayed for months by questions concerning John's competency to stand trial. He was initially found competent in September 2025, but a later evaluation resulted in a finding that he was not competent to proceed, although doctors believed treatment could restore his competency. Court proceedings were consequently suspended while he received treatment. In July 2026, the court determined that he had regained competency, allowing the prosecution to resume.
John Shulfer subsequently pleaded not guilty at his August 2026 arraignment. As of the latest publicly reported court developments, he has not been convicted of Paula or Dale Shulfer's deaths. A jury trial has been scheduled for March 2027, meaning the allegations against him remain unresolved in court and he retains the legal presumption of innocence unless prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
