The fourth day of a trial in Cottonwood County Court saw one final witness for the state before the prosecution rested Thursday, in the trial of 26-year-old No Name Given Happy of San Diego, California.
Happy is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault and making terroristic threats, stemming from a stabbing incident on New Year’s Eve at the Phat Pheasant Pub in Windom. The stabbing resulted in the death of 30-year-old Benjamin Matter of Windom.
Thursday’s only witness was Dr. Kelly Mills, the Ramsey County Chief Medical Examiner, who performed an autopsy on Matter. Mills’ testimony included several photos from the autopsy.
Mills stated that her office uses homicide as a medical term when a person’s death is caused by another person.
Mills testified that Matter has sustained two sharp-force wounds. One, in the chest area, was 4¾-inches deep, striking Matter’s heart, liver and pericardial sac. Mills stated that wound was likely fatal. The other wound, in the lower abdomen, was 1½-inches deep. The wounds to Matter caused internal bleeding in the chest and abdominal cavities.
Mills also testified that toxicology tests performed on Matter showed his blood alcohol content was .137. There also were signs of a prescription amphetamine, as well as both cocaine and THC in his blood.
Following testimony from Mills, the state rested its case.
The defense made motions for a judgement of acquittal on all counts, claiming the state had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge Christina Wietzema denied the defense motions to acquit.
Following the denial of motions, the defense was required to put on the record whether or not Happy would testify in his own defense. During questioning from the judge, Happy stated that he intended to testify.
Due to a scheduling issue with a defense witness, the trial will not resume until Monday morning.
