Thursday marked the fourth day of the high-profile murder trial of the defendant known as “Happy” brought a packed gallery to the Cottonwood County District Courthouse, as the prosecution called a key witness: Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kelly Mills. Dr. Mills conducted the autopsy on Benjamin Matter, who died after a stabbing at the Phat Pheasant Pub on New Year’s Eve. Her testimony centered around the medical and scientific procedures used to determine cause of death. Mills explained the four major components of a forensic autopsy: cause of death, manner of death, external examination, and internal examination.
The Cause is the underlying circumstances. The Manner is the Actual way the person died- Natural, Accident, Homicide, Suicide, noting that Homicide is used as a medical term that describes that said person died because of someone else. The External Examination is an introduction to who this person was. Height, weight, eye color, etc. and the Internal Exam is the Formal exam where biological samples for toxicology testing, fingerprints, the actual wounds and internal organs are examined to aid in the determination of death.
Mills again clarified that “homicide,” as used in medical terminology, indicates that the death was caused by another person, a finding she confirmed under oath. Mills confirmed that her determination was based solely on scientific evidence and toxicology results. Her official finding was that Benjamin Matter died as a result of homicide. Following her testimony, Prosecuting Attorney John Gross rested the state’s case at 9:35 a.m., summarizing the testimony of multiple witnesses to support the charges against the defendant.
After the jury was dismissed, Defense Attorney Stephanie Skoro motioned for an acquittal on all six felony charges, which include second-degree murder with intent, second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony, second-degree assault, and threats of violence. Skoro argued that the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proof. Judge Christina Wietzema denied the motion, siding with the state’s position that sufficient evidence had been presented to proceed.
In a notable turn, the defendant Happy, chose to waive his right not to testify. After confirming his understanding of his constitutional rights, he announced in court that he would take the stand in his own defense. Before proceedings adjourned for the day, Judge Wietzema informed the courtroom that the jury would return Monday, June 16 at 8:30 a.m., when the defense is scheduled to begin presenting its case. As the trial unfolds, emotions continue to run high in the courtroom. KDOM will continue to report on the basis of what is heard and comprehended by this reporter as the trial continues.
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Windom Police Department is welcoming a new officer which marks the first full staff since 2021, according to Police Chief Scott Peterson. For the first time in nearly four years, the Windom Police Department is fully staffed and it’s thanks in part to a familiar face. Bryan Macario Rios, a 2025 graduate of Minnesota West Community College’s Law Enforcement Program and a graduate of Windom Area High School, has joined the department as its newest full-time officer. His hiring not only brings the department back to full strength but also adds a local connection to the team, something Police Chief Peterson says is valuable to their mission.
“Part of our training includes learning the geography of the town,” said Peterson. “Bryan should be ahead of the curve on that concept.” Peterson noted that Rios stood out among candidates for his strong character, work ethic, and eagerness to learn qualities that made him the department’s top choice. Rios will begin his duties with an eight-week field training program before transitioning to solo patrol. The new hire comes at a crucial time. Since 2021, the department has faced staffing challenges, operating with as few as six full-time officers during the summer months. That meant long hours and mandatory overtime just to maintain coverage across the city. Peterson admitted, “it has been a tremendous challenge and we all had to work overtime to provide coverage for the city.” Now with a full team, the department plans to bring back community programs like the summer bicycle patrol, while also gaining flexibility for scheduling time off without relying on overtime funds.
Beyond the logistics, Peterson sees Rios’ local roots as a meaningful asset to the department’s community-focused approach. Peterson said, “It’s important to have local ties. Our department strives to be involved with the community, and having someone from Windom helps in that endeavor.” With the addition of Officer Rios, the Windom Police Department looks forward to a stronger presence in the community and a well-deserved return to full strength.
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