32-year-old Sparta murder suspect bond set at $500,000

Bond is set at $500,000 for a Sparta man accused of 1st degree murder, along with six other charges related to the death of a 32-year-old woman.

Shawn Hock made his first Monroe County court appearance Monday, after being charged late last week for the death of Sara Latimer. He’s due back July 8.

On May 10, Sparta Police were called to Jefferson Avenue, where they found the 32-year-old Latimer deceased and severely bruised.

According to the criminal complaint, a Sparta Police detective knew of previous domestic abuse incidents between Hock and Latimer, where police had been called.

Back in mid-April Hock had been convicted of domestic abuse, misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct stemming from a March 2021 incident. Injuries to Latimer that looked similar to those that were found on her corpse, according to the complaint.

Judge Mark Goodman in court Monday ordered Hock to have no contact with Latimer’s family, and will require him to wear a GPS monitor if he manages to post bond. He also must remain in Wisconsin.

Hock faces seven criminal charges related to domestic abuse:

• First-degree intentional homicide
• Two counts of aggravated battery with a domestic abuse enhancer
• Two counts of disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse enhancer
• Manufacture/deliver methamphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia as a repeat offender