Ripon Man Pleads NGI in Hatchet Attack

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- The 34-year-old Ripon man suspected of trying to kill a Fond du Lac woman with a hatchet has entered an insanity plea to all charges.

Hayden Daffinson was arraigned in Fond du Lac County Court Friday. He pled not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to all eight charges.

According to the criminal complaint the 38-year-old victim had broken up with Daffinson but had allowed him back in her residence to retrieve his personal property. That is when he attacked her.

She told police he struck here with the hatchet at least 30 times. Her arms and hands took most of the blows from the hatchet, both arms were broken, and she had several skull fractures.  She told investigators she believed he allowed her to live because she promised to tell police she fell down the stairs.

Daffinson is being held in the Fond du Lac County Jail on a $5 million cash bond. Judge Anthony Nehls hasn’t scheduled any future court hearings until a mental examination report can be completed.