Rodolfo Gonzalez (Waupaca Co. Jail)
NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Charges of arson, negligent homicide, and attempted homicide have been requested against the suspect in a fatal New London apartment fire – who lived in the building, court records for a pending case with two counts of attempted homicide show.
Rodolfo Gonzalez, 39, was booked in the Waupaca County Jail Monday morning for the fire Sunday at 505 Division Street. Charges are expected to be filed today, and he is expected to make an initial court appearance.
Jail records indicate the requested charges include two counts of negligent homicide. Authorities have only announced one death.
Court records show Gonzalez other court cases pending, including an Outagamie County case filed in February 2025 which includes two counts of attempted homicide. In that case, his address is listed as 505 Division Street, New London.
According to the criminal complaint, Rodolfo allegedly attacked two people with a rock and a knife.
In that case, he was deemed not mentally competent to proceed with trial. A review hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.
According to court documents, Gonzalez’s release was approved at a May 7 hearing, with a variety of conditions. Those included cooperating with treatment and evaluations.
On June 4, Outagamie County Assistant District Attorney Michelle Swardenski updated the court, noting that Criminal Justice Treatment Services “is not willing to accept this case for services” because “this is a suspended case and he is not on bond and due to the significant liability.”
However, Swardenski wrote: “The only way for the Court to ensure compliance with the Court’s ordered non-monetary conditions is for the Defendant to sign appropriate releases. This is essential to community protection and for redetermination of his competency.”
“Even though the Defendant has been deemed not competent to proceed to trial in a criminal matter, that is very different than his current Chapter 51 order. It is also different than competency to be able to follow basic rules of an institution. While in custody over the last year, he was not subject to restraints or medication orders. Currently, he is living independently in the community and managing day to day activities. The State is not aware of any guardianship order. Because of this, the State believes he is competent enough to follow the basic rules outlined by the Court and be able to sign releases,” Swardenski wrote.
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