A jury in Cottonwood County Court began deliberations Tuesday afternoon on felony charges against 26-year-old No Name Given Happy of San Diego, California, on six felony charges stemming from an incident New Year’s Eve 2024 at the Phat Pheasant Pub in Windom.
Happy is charged with second-degree murder with intent, second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony, two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, felony threats of violence and felony threats of violence toward a peace officer.
Closing arguments for the case were Tuesday morning.
Prosecutor John Gross highlighted testimony from witnesses regarding Happy’s behavior leading up to the altercation, comments witnesses heard from Happy and the account of the witnesses that described the stabbing. Gross added that the type of wounds sustained by Matter were deep, sharp-force injuries, caused with force and intent, rather than caused by someone making slashing motions. He added that the testimony showed Happy had numerous opportunities to remove himself from the situation and avoid confrontation. He also had an opportunity to call 911 to say he had been assaulted in the parking lot. Gross noted Happy’s actions showed a person not defending himself, but of someone set on revenge against people who had removed him from the bar.
Defense attorney Stephanie Skoro argued that Happy’s actions were consistent with someone who feared he would be harmed as he tried to retrieve his camera from the bar, and that the state could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Happy’s actions were not self-defense. She also claimed the state could not prove that injuries sustained to Cody Jurgens and Matt Booze were caused by Happy stabbing them. She also stated Happy’s confusion on body camera footage was consistent with someone who had suffered a brain injury.
Citizen Online will provide an update on a verdict in the case once it is reached.
