WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN — A 17-year-old Wisconsin teen has been convicted of felony murder after repeatedly punching his uncle during a late-night argument over a sleepover, an assault that prosecutors say led to a fatal brain bleed weeks later.
Ronnie Fuentez was found guilty Thursday of felony murder caused by battery in the death of 46-year-old Adam Thompson, according to Waukesha County court records reviewed by Law&Crime. He was also convicted of misdemeanor bail jumping.
What Authorities Confirmed
The incident occurred on Feb. 1, 2025, at a shared apartment on Delafield Street in Waukesha, located just west of Milwaukee. Fuentez and Thompson had reportedly been living together for approximately four years.
According to the criminal complaint, the uncle and nephew began arguing around 10 p.m. about Fuentez wanting to have a friend sleep over. Thompson stated he did not allow it, which upset the teenager.
Investigators said Thompson told his nephew that “his friend needed to go home.” In response, Fuentez allegedly punched him in the head area with a closed fist.
Thompson reportedly punched back in what he described as self-defense, then raised his arms to guard his head while Fuentez continued striking him and yelling profanities.
What Happened After the Fight
After the altercation, Fuentez left the apartment and did not return until the following morning. It remains unclear where the friend was during the confrontation.
Thompson did not initially call police and did not believe he had suffered serious injuries at the time. However, two days later, he developed a migraine that persisted despite over-the-counter medication.
On Feb. 5, Thompson called his mother. During their conversation, he began struggling to complete sentences. Concerned he was having a stroke, his mother went to the apartment and drove him to Waukesha Memorial Hospital.
Medical staff determined Thompson was suffering from an internal brain bleed. He was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Although he was able to speak, he reportedly struggled to form full sentences due to the bleeding. While at the hospital, he told authorities that Fuentez had punched him multiple times in the head.
Charges Upgraded After Death
Fuentez was initially charged with battery. However, after Thompson died on Feb. 17, 2025, prosecutors upgraded the charge to felony murder.
Court documents also indicated the assault occurred while Fuentez was out on bond related to an unrelated case from the previous September, which led to the additional misdemeanor bail jumping conviction.
Thompson’s obituary described him as an avid gamer and reptile enthusiast who loved his dog “Boy” and cherished time with family.
Fuentez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27.
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