Man who attacked Fond du Lac woman with axe pleads not guilty by mental disease

A Ripon man accused of trying to kill a Fond du Lac woman with an axe this summer has entered a plea of not guilty by mental disease or defect to all charges he faces.

34-year-old Hayden Daffinson appeared in Fond du Lac County circuit court on Friday for his arraignment.

Daffinson is facing eight felony charges including Attempted First-Degree Intentional Homicide, First-Degree Sexual Assault with the Use of a Dangerous Weapon, and First-Degree Reckless Injury for the attack which took place on June 22nd, in the 300 block of Merrill Avenue in Fond du Lac.

According to the criminal complaint, Daffinson and the victim had just ended a relationship and he had gone to the woman’s house to retrieve some belongings. While their he attacked her with an axe causing severe injuries to the woman.

In addition to the many lacerations to the woman, she also suffered two broken arms and several skull fractures as well.

According to Flock license plate reading cameras, Daffinson left the residence and travelled briefly to Illinois before returning to Wisconsin. He was spotted in Germantown in Washington County where a short pursuit occurred before he was taken into custody.

A Review in the case has been scheduled for November 3rd.