EAU CLAIRE, WI – A woman accused of fatally shooting the father of her children entered a plea of not guilty to first-degree intentional homicide during her arraignment Monday, according to police and court records.

Authorities say Dakota Bilderback, 29, is charged in the August 30 death of 37-year-old Michael Lee at a residence on Sunset Drive in Eau Claire. Police in Eau Claire responded to a 911 call just before 9:30 p.m. that evening, where they discovered Lee dead from two gunshot wounds to the face.

Investigators reported that Bilderback initially called 911 herself, telling dispatchers someone was hurt before reportedly revealing that she had shot the victim. During the call, she indicated she acted to “protect her children.” Responding officers took Bilderback into custody at the scene without incident.

According to the criminal complaint, after being advised of her rights, Bilderback told detectives she’d been struggling with mental health challenges, which had intensified due to recent methamphetamine use. She admitted to having a firearm on her that evening both because of suicidal tendencies and with the intent to intimidate Lee during a confrontation.

The complaint described how Bilderback allegedly sent her children upstairs before speaking with Lee. During the encounter, she said she placed the gun to her own head and expected Lee to intervene. Instead, the situation escalated, leading to her firing two shots at Lee — once in the face, and a second time described as an attempt to “stop the threat.”

Law enforcement initially booked Bilderback on second-degree homicide, but the charges were later elevated to first-degree intentional homicide, reflecting what prosecutors believe were the circumstances of the shooting.

Lee’s death has left friends and family grieving. A fundraising page set up in his memory described him as a beloved member of the community, remembered for his warmth and generosity.

Bilderback remains held in the Eau Claire County Jail on $250,000 cash bond. Her next scheduled court appearance is set for March 12, 2026.

So far, no additional details regarding custody of the children or further developments in the investigation have been released. The case continues to unfold as prosecutors prepare for trial.