Ramone Waupoose, now 17, is facing charges stemming from an alleged attack at his family’s home in Suamico on July 16, 2025. Prosecutors have charged him with attempted first-degree intentional homicide with use of a dangerous weapon and first-degree reckless injury with use of a dangerous weapon.
The decision followed a hearing over whether Waupoose’s case should be transferred to juvenile court. His defense argued that he could receive more appropriate treatment through the juvenile system, while prosecutors maintained that treatment options are also available through the adult court system.
Waupoose’s mother, who was injured in the alleged attack, supported the request for juvenile court. During the hearing, she said she believed her son would receive better treatment there. A mental-health professional who testified during the proceedings also argued that the juvenile system could provide services and structure that would benefit the teenager.
The judge ultimately ruled that the treatment available through juvenile court would not be sufficient given the seriousness of the allegations and the treatment needs involved. The case will therefore continue in adult court.
What led to the alleged attack
According to the criminal complaint, tensions inside the home had increased after Waupoose was brought back home following a reported runaway incident.
His mother told investigators that he was angry about being returned and was also upset because she had deleted rap videos from his YouTube account. She said his behavior became increasingly concerning during the period leading up to the alleged attack.
The woman told investigators that she began removing potentially dangerous objects from the home because she was worried about what might happen. Knives and other sharp kitchen utensils were taken away, while tools including a drill, hammers and screwdrivers were also secured.
She later noticed Waupoose searching around the garage. Investigators say he eventually obtained a pair of pruning shears that were approximately two feet long.
The complaint alleges that the home’s electricity was turned off before Waupoose’s mother went toward the power box. She told investigators that he then attacked her with the shears.
She was able to escape the house with her 12-year-old son and leave in a vehicle to seek help. Authorities later found the pruning shears inside the home, with blood observed nearby. The woman suffered injuries to her head, face, arms and back and required medical treatment, according to earlier court reporting.
Investigators also found troubling messages
The investigation did not end with the alleged physical attack.
According to the criminal complaint, authorities recovered Waupoose’s phone and found messages that prosecutors say included threats against his mother, younger brother and an ex-girlfriend.
The complaint also alleges that some messages referred to plans to record a video of an attack against his mother and brother. Those allegations are part of the evidence in the criminal case and have not been established as facts at trial.
Why the case was initially in adult court
Waupoose was 16 when the alleged attack occurred. Wisconsin law places certain serious homicide-related cases involving teenagers ages 10 through 16 in adult court. His defense subsequently pursued a process known as a reverse waiver, seeking to have the case transferred to juvenile court.
Although Waupoose turned 17 in May 2026, the court allowed the reverse-waiver proceedings to continue because some juvenile services could still have been available to him.
That effort has now been rejected, meaning the criminal case will proceed in adult court.
The next status conference is scheduled for October 27, 2026.
Waupoose remains accused of the charges, and the allegations contained in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court.
