Wild Rose Woman Stabbed to Death by Grandson

Victim remembered as generous, family-oriented friend by next-door neighbors

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 75-year-old woman in the Town of Mount Morris, Wisconsin was found stabbed to death inside her home on Sunday. Police have arrested her 36-year-old grandson, Randy Jenks, who allegedly confessed to the crime and fled the state. The victim, Patricia Glenn, was described by her next-door neighbors as a generous and family-oriented friend who they had planned to host for dinner just days before her death.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the complex dynamics that can exist within families and the devastating consequences when they turn violent. It also raises questions about mental health support, warning signs, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable elderly residents in their own homes.

The details

According to a criminal complaint, Jenks told family members that he had stabbed Glenn in the neck in the living room of her home, which she shared with Jenks after he had moved in with her over a year ago when his living arrangement with his mother "didn't work out." Jenks said he fled the state out of fear after the incident. Glenn's next-door neighbors, Joanne and Dan Hofer, said they had no indication that Jenks would harm Glenn, with whom they had developed a close friendship over the past five years since she moved to Wisconsin from Utah.

  • On Thursday, the Hofers had planned to host a dinner with Glenn on Friday, but had to reschedule.
  • On Saturday, Glenn stopped responding to calls and texts from the Hofers.
  • On Sunday, Glenn's daughter called police for a welfare check, and Glenn was found dead inside her home.
  • On Sunday, police arrested Jenks in Ogden, Utah.

The players

Patricia Glenn

A 75-year-old woman who was stabbed to death in her home in the Town of Mount Morris, Wisconsin. She had moved to Wisconsin from Utah about five years ago and had developed a close friendship with her next-door neighbors, the Hofers.

Randy Jenks

The 36-year-old grandson of Patricia Glenn, who allegedly confessed to stabbing Glenn to death and fled the state. Jenks had been living with Glenn in her home for over a year after his living arrangement with his mother "didn't work out."

Joanne Hofer

The next-door neighbor of Patricia Glenn, who described Glenn as a generous and family-oriented friend.

Dan Hofer

The husband of Joanne Hofer, who was also a close friend of Patricia Glenn.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There was nothing to in dicate on Thursday when we talked with her that he would have done that to her or thought about doing that to her.”

— Joanne Hofer, Next-door neighbor of Patricia Glenn (nbc26.com)

“I stabbed grandma in the living room, on the floor. She had pushed me too far.”

— Randy Jenks (nbc26.com)

“Just a really fun person, and not to have that anymore is going to be tough.”

— Joanne Hofer, Next-door neighbor of Patricia Glenn (nbc26.com)

“It should have never happened. It didn't have to be that way.”

— Dan Hofer, Next-door neighbor of Patricia Glenn (nbc26.com)

What’s next

A warrant for Randy Jenks' arrest in Wisconsin remains active, and he will face a first-degree intentional homicide charge for the death of his grandmother, Patricia Glenn.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues within families, providing support for vulnerable elderly residents, and ensuring that warning signs of violence are recognized and acted upon before it's too late.