Guilty.
That was the decision rendered by a jury in Cottonwood County Court regarding two of the six felony counts against 26-year-old No Name Given Happy of San Diego, California.
The jury deliberated just over two hours, weighing the testimony regarding a stabbing on New Year’s Eve 2024 at the Phat Pheasant Pub in Windom.
The incident resulted in the death of 30-year-old Benjamin Matter of Windom. Two other individuals were treated for stab wounds.
The jury convicted Happy of second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony, as well as one count of making terroristic threats.
Happy was acquitted of second-degree murder with intent (not premeditated), as well as two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of making threats of violence toward a peace officer.
Following the reading of the verdict, the prosecution asked that the terms for Happy’s release be revoked and that he be remanded to the custody of the Cottonwood County sheriff’s office. Judge Christina Wietzema approved the requests.
A sentencing hearing was set for Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Much more on this story appears in the June 18 print and e-editions of the Citizen.
