A Dane County judge ruled Wednesday that Zachary O’Connell is competent to stand trial in connection with a deadly 2024 Sun Prairie shooting, according to online court records.
O’Connell, 22, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide — including one involving an unborn child — and first-degree recklessly endangering safety.
The initial criminal complaint had detailed prior reports of violence and mental health concerns involving O’Connell, including alleged assaults against family members in 2022 and 2023. His defense attorneys filed a competency motion in March, and he is scheduled to return to court July 17.
Prosecutors allege O’Connell fatally shot William Flanary, 24, of Brookfield during an Oct. 18, 2024 attack in the 500 block of Martin Street. Authorities said Flanary was walking with his fiancée, her younger brother and the family dog while visiting relatives in Sun Prairie when the shooting occurred.
According to investigators, Flanary was struck multiple times and died at the scene. His fiancée, who was 22 weeks pregnant, survived a gunshot wound to the chin, and both she and the unborn child survived. The woman’s younger brother later told police he witnessed the shooting before a nearby resident brought the group inside for safety.
Court documents allege O’Connell tracked the woman’s location through Snapchat, where the two had been friends since high school. Investigators said the woman told police she feared he had become obsessed with her after she publicly shared news of her pregnancy on TikTok.
Sun Prairie Shooting Suspect Found Competent to Stand Trial in 2024 Homicide Case
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