LDF Man Held on $300,000 Bond After Hammer Attack Leaves Woman on Life Support

Rez Life Weekly Staff

A 42-year-old Lac du Flambeau man remains in the Vilas County Jail on a $300,000 cash bond after authorities say he brutally assaulted a woman with a hammer in what prosecutors have charged as attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

According to court records, Brett D. La Barge was taken into custody on Saturday, Dec. 13, after multiple 911 calls were received just before 1 p.m. reporting an active assault at a residence in the Town of Lac du Flambeau.

According to the police report, one of the 911 calls came from La Barge himself, who allegedly told dispatchers that he had killed a police officer with a hammer. A second call came from a woman who reported receiving a phone call from a grandchild stating that their mother had been killed.

Law enforcement officers from the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. The report states that when officers arrived, La Barge was standing in the doorway of the residence and was immediately detained without further incident.

Officers then entered the home, where they found an adult female victim lying on a bed in a pool of blood and suffering from severe head trauma. A child who was present in the home was not physically harmed.

According to a press release issued by the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, officers rendered immediate aid to the unconscious victim and summoned emergency medical services. Due to the severity of her injuries, a medivac helicopter was requested, and the woman was transported to a medical facility for advanced care.

A medical update provided on Dec. 17 stated that the woman remained on life support in serious condition. The report went on to say she suffered significant injuries to her head and face, as well as injuries to her upper spine and neck.

During a post-arrest interview, investigators say La Barge made disturbing statements regarding his mental state. According to the police report, La Barge told officers that he believed the woman was possessed by evil spirits and that voices had instructed him to kill both the woman and the child.

La Barge has been given until Monday to obtain legal counsel.

Statement from Tribal Police

In a press release, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department stated that the attack was targeted and carried out by a lone assailant who is now in secure custody. Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“No additional information is being released at this time because the investigation is ongoing,” the release stated. “The public is assured that there is no related danger to the community at this time.”

The department and the victim’s family extended thanks to multiple agencies that assisted in the response, including Vilas County Dispatch, Lac du Flambeau EMS, the Woodruff and Minocqua Police Departments, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, state crime labs in Madison and Wausau, the medivac helicopter crew, and staff at Aspirus Hospital. Tribal Victim Services and the Lac du Flambeau Emergency Shelter were also acknowledged for their support.

Prior Criminal History

Court records show that La Barge has an extensive criminal history in Wisconsin, including multiple violent offenses, drug-related convictions, and repeated incidents involving law enforcement.

His prior convictions include:

• Resisting an Officer Causing Substantial Bodily Harm, a Class H felony (2022)

• Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, Class A misdemeanor (2021)

• Bail Jumping – Misdemeanor, Class A misdemeanor (2021)

• Disorderly Conduct (Repeater), Class B misdemeanor (2018)

• Battery (Domestic Abuse, Repeater), Class A misdemeanor (2017)

• Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, Class A misdemeanor (2015)

• Intentionally Mistreating Animals, Class A misdemeanor (2014)

• Manufacture/Delivery of Schedule I or II Narcotics, Class E felony (2014)

• Bail Jumping – Felony, Class H felony (2009)

• Battery, Class A misdemeanor (2009)

• Possession of Narcotic Drugs, Class I felony (2005)

Mental Health Concerns Raised

According to statements shared by family members, La Barge reportedly felt that “something was off” with his mental health the morning of the attack and attempted to seek help but was turned away. Those close to the case have emphasized the seriousness of mental health crises and the consequences when individuals in distress are unable to access timely care.

Advocates say the case underscores ongoing concerns about gaps in the mental health system and the need for better intervention before situations escalate into violence.