EAU CLAIRE, WI – A Wisconsin woman arrested under accusations of fatally shooting the father of her children appeared in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree intentional homicide, civic records show.
Dakota Bilderback, 29, is charged in connection with the death of 37-year-old Michael Lee, who was found dead at a Sunset Drive home on August 30. Police say Lee suffered two gunshot wounds to the face after officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at the residence.
Authorities arrested Bilderback at the scene, following interviews in which she allegedly described what led up to the shooting. According to prosecutors, Bilderback initially placed the emergency call herself, reporting that someone was hurt before revealing the victim was Lee, the father of her children.
During her conversation with the dispatcher, investigators say Bilderback admitted to the shooting, claiming she acted to protect her children. She reportedly told police that she was dealing with suicidal thoughts and had a firearm in her possession. Bilderback recounted sending her children upstairs before an argument with Lee escalated.
In her statement to police, Bilderback reportedly claimed she initially intended to use the weapon to threaten Lee and herself. She described putting the gun to her head, saying she expected Lee to intervene. Instead, according to the affidavit, she fired at Lee, striking him twice in the face. She explained the second shot was to “stop the threat.”
Investigators noted Bilderback referenced ongoing mental health challenges and admitted to methamphetamine use, which she said worsened her condition at the time of the incident.
Police initially classified the case as a second-degree homicide, but the charges were upgraded days later to first-degree intentional homicide, which carries a potential life sentence under Wisconsin law.
Lee’s family and friends are left grieving, describing him as a beloved son, brother, and friend whose positive spirit touched many. An online fundraising campaign has been established to support funeral costs and remember his life.
Bilderback remains in custody at Eau Claire County Jail, with bail set at $250,000. The next court hearing scheduled for Bilderback is on March 12, 2026, when prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to present further evidence in the case.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, as law enforcement and family members await the next developments.