GREEN BAY, WI – A Wisconsin man faces attempted homicide charges after allegedly stabbing another man multiple times during a violent Halloween confrontation at a local bar when he saw him with his ex-wife.
Robert Goodletson was arrested Halloween night following the attack at the Hammer Inn Pub & Grill in Green Bay. According to the criminal complaint, Goodletson encountered his ex-wife’s companion at the establishment and immediately became aggressive.
Witnesses reported that Goodletson began yelling at the victim upon seeing him at the bar. When the victim approached to speak with him, Goodletson grabbed him and a physical altercation ensued. The victim managed to break free and went outside, where he discovered he was bleeding from several deep stab wounds to his side and a large laceration on his head.
Police arrived at the scene and found Goodletson with blood on his hands and a knife in a sheath on his belt. Surveillance video from the bar captured the attack, showing Goodletson removing his knife from its sheath, shoving the victim against a wall, and swinging the blade as other patrons attempted to push him toward the exit.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The extent of his wounds and his current condition have not been publicly disclosed, though authorities described the stab wounds as “deep” and potentially life-threatening.
Goodletson claimed he acted in self-defense when questioned by police. He told investigators that the victim was romantically involved with his wife and that he felt threatened during the encounter. He also stated that he possessed a concealed carry permit for the knife.
However, prosecutors rejected the self-defense claim, noting that surveillance footage contradicted Goodletson’s account and showed him as the aggressor in the confrontation. The video evidence played a crucial role in the decision to charge him with attempted homicide rather than a lesser assault charge.
Goodletson was charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and is being held on $250,000 bail at the Brown County Jail. He is scheduled to return to court on November 18 for a preliminary hearing.
Wisconsin law defines attempted first-degree intentional homicide as taking substantial steps toward killing another person with the intent to cause death. If convicted, Goodletson faces up to 60 years in prison.
The Halloween night attack highlights the dangers of domestic disputes spilling into public spaces. Bar owners and staff are often placed in difficult positions when attempting to de-escalate conflicts between patrons, particularly when weapons are involved.
The Hammer Inn Pub & Grill has not commented publicly on the incident or whether additional security measures will be implemented in the wake of the violent attack.
Goodletson remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system. Prosecutors are expected to argue that his possession of a concealed weapon and the severity of the attack demonstrate premeditation and intent to kill.
