A disturbing domestic violence case from Wisconsin has come into the spotlight after a man allegedly attacked his girlfriend and later claimed he was actually the victim. The situation became even more serious when the woman’s young son called for help, possibly saving her life. The case now involves serious criminal charges and conflicting statements from both sides.
Emergency Call Leads to Police Action
The incident took place in Little Chute, Wisconsin, late at night when police received a distress call around 11:45 p.m. The call was made by the woman’s son, who reported that his mother was screaming for help.
During the call:
- The boy said his mother was being choked
- He described the attacker as an unknown man
- Loud screaming could be heard in the background
- The call suddenly disconnected
Police rushed to the location immediately after receiving the alert.
Victim Found Injured at Home
When officers arrived, they found the woman visibly injured. She was holding a frozen food pack to her eye, and officers noticed clear signs of physical assault.
According to reports, she had:
- A bloody mouth
- Red marks around her neck
- Signs of trauma consistent with strangulation
Although she initially refused medical help, she later went to the hospital with the help of a friend.
Victim Shares Her Side of the Story
At the hospital, the woman explained what happened. She said she and Rudolf Knapp were in bed when an argument started.
According to her statement:
- Knapp got on top of her
- He put his hands around her neck
- She was unable to breathe or speak
- She lost consciousness multiple times
She told police that she genuinely believed she was going to die during the attack.
Son Witnesses the Attack
The woman’s son also spoke to the police and described what he saw. He said he heard noise from his mother’s room and went to check.
He reportedly saw:
- Knapp on top of his mother
- His mother screaming for help
- A violent struggle taking place
The boy shouted at Knapp, questioning him, which may have interrupted the attack. Knapp then left the house and fled the scene.
Messages Sent After the Incident
After leaving, Knapp allegedly sent several messages to the woman. These messages raised serious concerns.
Some key points from the messages:
- He admitted losing control
- He called himself “evil and sick”
- He hinted at harming himself
He also reportedly made similar statements to a friend, confessing to the incident and expressing suicidal thoughts.
Accused Claims Self-Defense
The next day, Knapp went to the sheriff’s office and gave a completely different version of events. He claimed that he was the one being attacked.
According to him:
- The woman tried to attack him with a sharp object
- He acted in self-defense
- He was under the influence of medication given by her
- He had “no other option” but to respond
He also claimed that he had been drugged.
Police Investigation Findings
However, investigators found several inconsistencies in his statements. Police noted that:
- His injuries did not match his claims
- Some of his wounds were self-inflicted
- Evidence did not support his version of events
Knapp later admitted that some of his injuries were caused by himself.
Arrest and Charges
Rudolf Knapp was arrested and is currently being held in custody. He is facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Attempted first-degree intentional homicide
- Strangulation
- Battery
- Disorderly conduct
He is being held on a cash bond of $500,000.
Current Status of the Case
Knapp has already appeared in court once, and further hearings are expected. The victim has been released from the hospital and is recovering.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details may come out as the legal process continues.
