The murder trial of No Name Given, known as Happy, resumed Monday as the Defense began presenting their case and witnesses. Before testimony began, Defense Attorney Stephanie Skoro requested a mistrial, citing a violation involving a significant incident that occurred at the same bar three years ago with similar outcomes. Skoro argued that the State failed to disclose prior legal action or criminal history related to the case. After a brief recess, Judge Christina Wietzema denied the motion, stating the incident was separate and did not involve the same material facts. She clarified that while the criminal history of witnesses must be disclosed before the start of trial, the event in question did not meet that requirement.
The Defense then called Dr. Chuck Rylant to the stand. Dr. Rylant is a licensed clinical psychologist, retired police detective, and former SWAT operator. He now serves as an expert witness in state and federal courts, specializing in use of force, de-escalation, memory, decision-making, and human performance under stress. Dr. Rylant testified on the concept of amygdala hijack, when the emotional center of the brain overrides rational thinking, triggering an intense, often disproportionate reaction. This “fight, flight, or freeze” mechanism is a survival shortcut that activates in highly stressful or threatening situations, bypassing the brain’s logical processes. He also explained Disparity of Force, which occurs when one individual is at a significant disadvantage due to differences in strength, size, number of attackers, age, or ability. In such cases, the use of force, even deadly force, may be justified if it is reasonable and necessary, even if the attacker is unarmed. Dr. Rylant addressed Action vs. Reaction, noting the split-second nature of decision-making in high-stress moments. He also discussed the impact of positioning, such as 1-on-1, 2-on-1, or greater odds, and how it can contribute to a perceived or real threat, particularly when assessing the justification of force.
Following Dr. Rylant’s testimony, the defendant, Happy, took the stand. He shared his version of events from that New Year’s Eve, including personal background on his upbringing, immigration to the United States, and his profession. The Defense submitted photos showing Happy’s interactions before the bar grew crowded that night. Happy described what was said and done to him, giving an account that differed from the local witnesses. He was cross-examined by the prosecution, then redirected by his attorney. Both sides exchanged additional rounds of cross and redirect. The Defense rested its case at 1:48 p.m. The State declined to present a rebuttal. Judge Wietzma then recessed court for the day, announcing that closing arguments and jury instructions would take place Tuesday.
Following the final remarks from both sides, today, the jury is expected to begin deliberations to determine the outcome of the trial.
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Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported 31 calls from June 11th to June 15th. Deputies conducted Boat & Water patrols on area lakes throughout the county, took a vandalism report, responded to a domestic disturbance, a civil dispute and a harassment call. Deputies also investigated a couple reports of stolen Road Closed Signs. A full listing of all calls for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is available by clicking link below.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Report June 11th-15th
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Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 33 calls in the week of June 8th to June 14th. Deputies conducted 7 Civil Processes, Assisted 2 other agencies, Had 1 Animal Call, handled 4 Court Security and Transferring a Prisoner, and made 3 Traffic Stops. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking link below.
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Today’s meetings include:
- Murray County Board of Commissioners, at 8:30am in the Murray County Government Center.
- Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the Drainage Authority at 9am at the Jackson County Court House Commissioners Board Room
- The Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners meets at 5:00pm at the Cottonwood County Courthouse in the Commissioners’ Room.
- The St James City Council at 5:30pm in James City Hall Council Chambers.
- The Windom City Council will be meeting at 6:30 pm at Windom City Hall in the City Council Chambers.
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Red Rock Central School District Board of Education will be meeting on Wednesday, June 18th at 5pm in Lamberton.
Mountain Lake Public School Board Meeting meets Wednesday, June 18th at 5:30 pm at the school in Room #101
Mountain Lake City Council will be meeting Wednesday, June 18th at 5:45pm in Mt Lake City Hall.
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Jeffers City Council met in regular session on the 9th. A highlight of the meeting included a visit from Cory Schroeder with the Jeffers Fire Department. Schroeder proposed the purchase of a 2005 tanker/pumper fire truck to replace the department’s 1985 model. The council approved the purchase at a cost of $125,000. A building permit to move a storage shed on private property was also approved. Council members reviewed and approved a mortgage satisfaction from the City’s Owner-Occupied Small Cities Development Program, originally satisfied back in 2017. The council also discussed interest from city residents in taking a first responder course. The city clerk will look into available class options. The next council meeting has been rescheduled for June 30th at 7 p.m.
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