Shane Helmbrecht, man accused of killing Eau Claire neighbor, declared competent to stand trial

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – We are one step closer to a trial in the shooting death of an Eau Claire woman.

Shane Helmbrecht, who is accused of killing his neighbor Jenn Ward in 2016, has now been declared fit to stand trial.

“I find Mr. Helmbrecht to be sane today. The case will therefore be reopened,” said Judge Sarah Harless of the Eau Claire County District Court.

“This is good news, but we've seen this before. We need to have realistic expectations as we decide how to proceed,” said Jamie Kirchoff, Ward's twin sister.

The competency hearing took place after Helmbrecht left a residential home in Tomah, Wisconsin.

When his disappearance became known and he was found in New Mexico but released, a nationwide warrant was issued for his arrest.

Helmbrecht was eventually returned to Eau Claire.

The trial on Tuesday began with the testimony of the Helmbrechts brothers, who had been called by the defense.

“Shane was always very responsible and the type of person who would drop everything to help someone,” said Gregory Helmbrecht.

Both testified to a change in Helmbrecht’s behavior after his return from deployment in 2007.

“We, my wife and I, talked about having him admitted. It would have had to be involuntary because he did not want to seek help,” said Peter Helmbrecht.

Gregory Helmbrecht testified that Shane Helmbrecht came to him before his departure.

He said it was obvious to him that Shane Helmbrecht's paranoia was still present many years after his deployment.

“He didn't specifically mention New Mexico, but he told me they were coming to kill him and he had to leave. He was afraid for his life. He was very insistent,” said Gregory Helmbrecht.

Key experts from both sides were called again to give counter-testimony and conduct further cross-examination.

The tests conducted by the defense expert were questioned as the defense attempted to argue that the brain injury sustained during Helmbrecht's time in combat had led to cognitive decline.

The closing arguments were presented.

The state argued that Helmbrecht's actions demonstrated that he was competent to stand trial regardless of whether or not he had suffered a brain injury.

The defense argued that Helmbrecht's actions in the psychiatric facilities to which he was committed were not sufficient to prove his sanity.

Judge Harless took just over thirty minutes to make a decision.

“I am confident that Mr. Helbrecht understands the process or at least has the necessary skills to assist in his defense. And that he can, if he wishes, speak with his attorneys and discuss the case,” said Judge Harless.

She said she had taken into account the State's expert's concerns about the tests conducted by the defense's expert.

The judge said he had not taken into account several factors, such as Helmbrecht's phone calls about legal matters and the fact that he had a license and the ability to drive.

Ward's twin sister said this is just the beginning of a long journey that will take years.

“I hope this is not postponed. Unfortunately, that's how the court system works. Things are changing,” Kirchoff said. “Welcome to the legal system.”

Helmbrecht will go on trial on November 12.