Attorney General’s Office and Cottonwood County Attorney’s Office secure convictions for 2nd degree murder and threats of violence

Jury convicts Defendant Named “Happy” of 2nd degree murder and threats of violence following New Year’s Eve stabbing in Windom

Attorney General’s Office prosecuted this case upon request of Cottonwood County Attorney, per state law

June 20, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) — On June 17, 2024, after a jury trial lasting a week and a half, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office and the Cottonwood County Attorney’s Office have secured convictions of a defendant who legally changed his name to “Happy” on charges of 2nd degree murder and threats of violence – following a New Year’s Eve stabbing at a bar in Windom. Sentencing is set for August 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

On December 31, 2024, Happy made concerning comments at the Phat Pheasant Pub in Windom and staff told him to leave. After being escorted outside, Happy retrieved a knife from his semi-truck and returned to the Pub. Inside, Happy stabbed a patron of the bar, B.M., twice . B.M. was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. After the stabbing, Happy threatened to kill other patrons at the Pub.

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted Happy upon a referral from former Cottonwood County Attorney’s Office under Minnesota Statutes Sec. 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.”

“My heart goes out to the victims of this attack and threats, who were simply out celebrating New Year’s Eve, as well as the victims’ loved ones, friends, and communities. I hope this verdict provides some solace to the Minnesotans affected by this heinous and senseless act of violence. My team and I will continue partnering with law enforcement and county attorneys across Minnesota to improve public safety and hold those who harm their fellow Minnesotans accountable. I am grateful to the members of law enforcement who investigated this crime and to the Cottonwood County Attorney’s Office for their partnership in holding the perpetrator accountable,” said Attorney General Ellison.

Attorney General Ellison thanks the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Windom Police Department, who assisted in the investigation and successful prosecution of this crime, and the Minnesota State Patrol, the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Mountain Lake Police Department, and the Windom Ambulance Service for their assistance in this case.