Defendant named “Happy” sentenced to 15 years for 2nd degree murder

Happy received 180-month sentence, following New Year’s Eve stabbing in Windom

August 8, 2025 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, a Cottonwood County court sentenced a defendant who legally changed his name to “Happy” to 15 years in prison (180 months for 2nd degree murder, and a concurrent 18 months for threats of violence), following a New Year’s Eve stabbing and assault outside a bar in Windom.  A jury convicted Happy of 2nd degree murder and threats of violence in June 2025.

On December 31, 2024, Happy made threatening comments about a gun to patrons at the Phat Pheasant Pub in Windom. After being escorted outside, Happy retrieved a knife and stabbed B.M. twice.  B.M. was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. 

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted Happy upon a referral from former Cottonwood County Attorney Deja Weber 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.”

“I am pleased to see justice served in this case, and I hope that brings some measure of solace to all those affected by this tragic violence. I worked for years to expand my office’s Criminal Division so we could take on cases like this and help improve public safety across Minnesota. My Office stands ready to assist Minnesota’s county attorneys in securing justice and holding violent offenders accountable for their actions,” said Attorney General Ellison.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Windom Police Department investigated this crime.