By Shereen Siewert
The lone suspect in a shooting that left one man critically injured was ordered held on a $500,000 cash bond during an initial appearance held May 16 in Marathon County Circuit Court.
Sergio Retana, Jr., of Weston faces charges of attempted first degree homicide, first degree recklessly endangering safety, possession of a firearm as a felon, carrying a handgun where alcohol is sold, operating a firearm while intoxicated and carrying a concealed weapon. The charges were filed four days after an early morning shooting at Big Dan & Space’s Kelly Club in Weston.
Retana, 30, has a long criminal history in Iowa that includes convictions for theft, making false licenses, escape, and other charges. He has an open warrant for his arrest in Iowa; Extradition proceedings are underway.
Police were called at about 12:30 a.m. May 12 to Kelly Club, 4810 Ross Ave., for a report of gunshots fired. Witnesses say Retana and the victim in the shooting were involved in an altercation that escalated into gunfire. Patrons at the bar wrestled Retana to the ground and disarmed him, then held him until officers could arrive.
The victim, a man whose name has not been publicly released, was rushed to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where he underwent surgery for injuries described as life-threatening. His current condition was not available Thursday afternoon.
Attempted first-degree homicide is a class A felony in Wisconsin, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 60 years in the Wisconsin Prison System. Attempted homicide is charged out only when a suspect intends to commit a homicide and tries to carry out the homicide but, for some reason, fails to finish the crime.
Circuit Judge Jill Falstad presided over the initial appearance.
Retana, who remains in the Marathon County Jail, is due in court May 22 for a review hearing. A preliminary hearing, where a judge decides whether enough evidence exists to justify a trial, is set for May 28.
