TOMAH, Wis. – An man accused of a 2016 murder in Eau Claire and committed to the Tomah Veterans Hospital for mental health care has walked off. Missing is Shane Helmbrecht, 51. He had been in a VA group home. According to attendants at the group home, Helmbrecht had not been “acting like his usual self.” The staff said that he was an avid runner and bicyclist and typically advised staff when he was leaving and where he was going. Meanwhile, his parents, 70 miles away in Portage, reported their green 2003 Toyota Avalon missing. A national arrest warrant urged caution approaching Helmbrecht because of his unpredictable mental status, assaultive history, and an antagonizing attitude toward police.
Helmbrecht. Described in a national arrest warrant as 6 feet tall, 210 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes.