A Wisconsin judge has ruled that a 17-year-old accused of attacking his mother with a 2-foot-long hedge trimmer will be prosecuted as an adult, rejecting the defense’s attempt to move the case to juvenile court. Ramone Waupoose faces attempted first-degree intentional homicide charges after allegedly slicing his mother on her face, head, arms, and back inside their Suamico home in July 2025.
Background
The incident began after Waupoose was returned home by authorities for running away two days prior to the attack. According to the criminal complaint, his mother told police that her son was "super uber uber p—ed" about being brought back. She also stated that he was angry because she had "deleted rap videos off of his YouTube." The mother reported that Waupoose’s behavior became increasingly hostile and concerning in the lead-up to the violence. She described him as pacing "like a caged tiger" during meals and acting "creepier" and more suspicious over the following day.
The victim allegedly monitored her son through home security cameras after instructing him not to leave the house. She observed Waupoose searching the garage, looking around a toolbox and a mattress, where he allegedly found the pruning shears. Prosecutors state that Waupoose lured his mother to an electrical box inside the home by turning off the power. The mother managed to escape with her 12-year-old son, Waupoose’s brother, by running out of the house and driving away. Officers investigating the scene observed blood near the shears.
The Charges
Waupoose is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon and first-degree reckless injury with the use of a dangerous weapon. Under Wisconsin law, individuals between the ages of 10 and 16 are automatically charged in adult court for attempted first-degree intentional homicide, but because Waupoose is 17, his defense team sought a waiver to juvenile jurisdiction. During a Tuesday court hearing covered by local Fox affiliate WLUK, the victim, who is also Waupoose’s mother, argued that her son would receive better treatment in the juvenile system. "I feel my son will get the best treatment in juvenile court," she stated.
Prosecutors countered that adequate treatment options are available within the adult court system. The presiding judge ruled that the treatment available in the juvenile system was "inadequate" given the seriousness of the offense and Waupoose’s specific needs. Additionally, prosecutors cited messages found on Waupoose’s phone referencing killing his ex-girlfriend and plans to send a video of him killing his mother and brother.
Key Takeaways
- Ramone Waupoose, 17, will be tried as an adult for attempted first-degree intentional homicide.
- The attack allegedly stemmed from anger over deleted YouTube rap videos and being returned home after running away.
- The victim, Waupoose’s mother, sustained cuts to her face, head, arms, and back from a 2-foot-long hedge trimmer.
- The judge deemed juvenile treatment "inadequate" for the severity of the crime and the defendant's needs.
- Waupoose allegedly lured his mother to an electrical box by cutting the home's power before the attack.
- Phone messages allegedly referenced plans to kill his ex-girlfriend, mother, and brother.
- The teen remains in custody at Brown County Jail.
- A status conference is scheduled for Oct. 27.
What's Next
The case will proceed through the adult criminal justice system, with a status conference scheduled for Oct. 27. Waupoose remains in custody at Brown County Jail while prosecutors prepare for upcoming hearings and the defense explores potential plea negotiations or trial strategies within the adult court framework.