The trial for a San Diego, California man charged in a fatal stabbing on New Year’s Eve will begin Thursday morning at the Cottonwood County Courthouse.
No Name Given Happy, age 26, is charged with six felony counts stemming from the incident at the Phat Pheasant Pub, including second-degree murder with intent (not premeditated), second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of felony threats of violence.
The incident resulted in the death of 30-year-old Benjamin Matter of Windom. Two other individuals were treated for stab wounds.
Jury selection will begin Thursday and continue into Friday, if needed. Testimony in the trial could begin as early as Friday, with the trial scheduled to last two weeks.
Assistant State Attorney General John Gross is in charge of the prosecution. Stephanie Skoro from the firm of Sieben Edmunds and Miller is the lead attorney for the defense.
