RIPON, Wis. (WBAY) - Hayden Daffinson, accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend with a hatchet, pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to all of the charges Friday.

That’s Wisconsin’s equivalent of an insanity plea. A judge ordered a mental evaluation.

Daffinson is charged with eight felonies, including Attempted First-Degree Intentional Homicide and First-Degree Sexual Assault Involving a Dangerous Weapon.

According to the criminal complaint, the woman suffered multiple, serious cuts to her head, back and extremities and had two broken arms and several skull fractures.

She said he struck her with the hatchet at least 30 times.

She said she begged Daffinson to let her live, saying she wouldn’t call the police and would claim she fell down the stairs.

At trial, the Sta

See Full Page