MINOCQUA, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The case against the man charged with holding a Northwoods medical worker against his her will is headed to trial. A judge ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed.
Minocqua Police Chief David Jaeger said Joseph Buza, 70, and Jillian Buza, 39, had a hatchet, meat tenderizer, a loaded gun and additional ammunition in the exam room in the June 12 incident. Prosecutors claim when the two got to the Marshfield Clinic, Jillian told the front desk worker if she didn’t get her medicine she was going to “go home and blow her head off.”
The criminal complaint said Jillian looked at Joseph and said, “Are you ready?”
In an interview with police, Jillian denied ever saying that and claimed she didn’t know that her partner was planning an attack.
After Joseph threatened a medical worker with the hatchet and meat tenderizer, Jillian tried to tape the door shut. Co-workers were able to force their way into the room and rescued their colleague. Additional staff managed to subdue the couple.
Chief Jaeger said he believes painkiller withdrawal led to the incident. He said Jillian was in a program to be weened her off of prescription medicine.
Joseph and Jillian face four charges including a felony for attempted aggravated battery. Joseph is expected to enter pleas to the charges in November.
