The murder trial began yesterday in Cottonwood County District Court, for No Name Given Happy of San Diego, California promptly at 9am. Judge Christina Wietzema started the trial by swearing in and explaining the process and rules of engagement and Trial schedule to the jury Charges were read and explained with noting that charges at this time are accusations and that the burden of proof of being proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt is the responsibility of the State. The Judge stated that the law demands a Just Verdict. She reminded the jury members that “What has been proven” Refers to the facts the jury can determine to be true, based on the evidence presented during the trial. “Tangible items” Means physical objects (like a weapon, a document, a piece of clothing, photos, etc.) that were entered as exhibits during the trial. “Evidence is what testimony and exhibits show” and emphasized that the jury must base their decision only on: Testimony (what witnesses said under oath) and Exhibits (physical items or documents officially presented in court). The Judge then asked the jury to keep an open mind until the end of the trial. No transcripts would be given to the jury, but they could take their own notes, but they would have to remain in the courtroom.
Opening Statements were made by the Prosecuting Attorney John Gross representing the State of Minnesota who stated that this trial is about Ben Matter and the loss of his life on New Years Eve December 31, 2024. He showed his Witness List and Outline of Evidence that he was to present for the jury to see and hear.
Defense Attorney Stephanie Skoro stated that this trial was not about a man out looking for trouble but someone looking to not be victimized again and it was self-defense. Skoro stated that the Prosecution will be portraying Happy as violent, but this is not true, he was acting in self-defense. Skora stated that this is not about revenge but survival and after hearing the facts and events she hoped the very foundation of every person is innocent until proven guilty will yield a verdict of not guilty.
The State then began presenting the prosecution’s case-in-chief questioning and called 7 witnesses for the first day. Starting with the First Officer on Scene, Family, Friends, BCA-Forensic Scientist, Employees and Eyewitnesses. Each witness was crossed-examined by the Defense Team. Evidence was presented with actual body cam footage, car cam footage, pictures and drawings submitted by the BCA and Law Enforcement. Witnesses gave their personal accounts of what their timelines were and what they saw that led up to the chaos and ultimate death of Ben Matter.
Court was recessed at 4:30pm and the jury was instructed as to what their responsibilities were as the proceedings would continue into the next day. KDOM will be following this trial as it proceeds.
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Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office reported 44 calls in the week of June 1st to June 7th. Deputies conducted 14 Civil Processes, Had 1 Barking Dog Call, Handled 1 Civil Dispute, responded to 2 Suspicious Activities, 3 Driving Complaints and made 2 Traffic Stops. A full listing of all calls in the Cottonwood County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Citizens Report is available by clicking the link below.
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Meetings today include:
The Red Rock Central School Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. Items on the agenda include final discussion on superintendent candidates, with possible board action to move forward with negotiations and the board will also consider seeking funding through First Security Bank.
The City of Windom will hold a Special City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. This session includes a work session with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) regarding proposed roundabouts along Highways 60 and 71. MnDOT is proposing two key roundabout projects:
1. At the north junction, where Highway 60 meets northbound U.S. 71 a single-lane roundabout is being considered to improve
safety and traffic efficiency.
2. At the south junction, where Highway 60 and southbound 71 meet another roundabout has been discussed in city planning
efforts and is under review for future development.
These changes are part of MnDOT’s efforts to reduce high-speed crashes and improve flow for both passenger vehicles and larger agricultural traffic. Please note, this is an open public meeting, and residents are encouraged to attend. However, no public comments will be taken during the work session. Community members are welcome to listen and observe to better understand the upcoming proposals and be more informed. For more details, visit www.windom-mn.com
Stay engaged, be informed, and be part of the conversation on Windom’s future traffic safety!