Benjamin Matter Obituary, Death;- A man known only as ‘No Name Given Happy’ has been charged with murder following a stabbing incident at a bar in southwestern Minnesota.
Law enforcement responded to the Phat Pheasant Pub in Windom shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve after receiving reports of a stabbing. The establishment is situated off Highway 60 on the northern side of the city, approximately 80 miles northeast of Sioux Falls.
Upon arrival, officers discovered three individuals who had been stabbed, including 30-year-old Benjamin Matter from Windom, who sustained severe injuries. Matter was transported to Windom Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The other two victims, both men aged 30 and 31 from Windom, were injured but are expected to recover from their wounds.
What transpired prior to the stabbing in Windom? According to the timeline, officers apprehended a suspect who was restrained by patrons at the bar. The suspect possessed a California commercial driver’s license that identified him as “No Name Given” with the surname “Happy,” although it remains uncertain if this is his actual legal name. Court records refer to “Happy” with the alias “George Samuel.”
As per the charges, bar staff informed authorities that “Happy” had been playing pool with a group but was reportedly “acting cocky” and creating disturbances. The group attempted to maintain order but informed the bartender that the suspect was “being mouthy and pushing things.”
Although “Happy” initially apologized to the staff, he later made threats to use a firearm. Another patron also claimed that “Happy” had threatened to pull a gun on them. Eventually, he was removed from the bar by staff and a group of regulars, including the victim, Benjamin Matter.
According to the charges, “Happy” walked towards a semi-truck but subsequently returned to the bar armed with a knife. When Matter attempted to intervene, he was stabbed. Other patrons managed to disarm and subdue “Happy.”
The background: No Name Given Happy faces charges of second-degree murder.
