WAUPACA COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Road rage led to a stabbing murder Saturday night in Iola, according to the criminal complaint.
Tyler Knutson was charged Monday with first-degree intentional homicide. The victim is only identified by his initials, B.W.T., in the criminal complaint. He is a 42-year-old Mukwonago man.
Knutson, 23, made an initial court appearance Monday afternoon, where a $500,000 cash bond was set.
According to the criminal complaint, Knutson was a passenger in one vehicle, while the victim was a passenger in the other.
“According to witness reports, the Ford pickup continued traveling west on Water Street and then turned left onto South Main St. to 415 S. Main St. all in the Village of Iola. The Silverado pickup followed the Ford pickup and the drivers of both vehicles describe aggressive driving on the part of the other, including following too closely, blinking between high and low beam headlights, and the lead vehicle braking numerous times.
The Ford pickup pulled into the driveway at 415 S. Main St. and the Silverado pickup pulled into the adjacent driveway. It was learned that the residence belonged to a cousin of Knutson. Both drivers exited their vehicles and commenced shouting at each other.
The passengers, Knutson and BWT also exited the vehicles. Knutson later told officers that BWT told him his girlfriend needed to learn how to drive. Knutson shouted that “it wasn’t his responsibility to teach her to drive”. Knutson indicated to BWT that he was trespassing on private property. Knutson told officers “I didn’t back down”. Knutson indicated they were pushing each other when Knutson fell down and BWT also fell. Officers noted the altercation took place on snow covered, sloped driveway.
Knutson told officers he didn’t want BWT to hurt his face or break any bones so he took out his knife, opened the blade and “poked him”. Knutson told officers BWT didn’t punch or kick him,” the complaint states.
The victim died of a single stab wound to the neck that was about 3” deep, according to the autopsy.
A conviction on the first-degree intentional homicide count would result in a life prison term.
Knutson is due back in court Feb. 11.
