GREEN BAY, WI – A Wisconsin man faces an attempted homicide charge after authorities say he stabbed another man during a confrontation at a local bar on Halloween night, allegedly motivated by jealousy over a relationship involving his estranged wife.
Police arrested Robert Stanley Goodletson, 47, after responding to reports of a stabbing at the Hammer Inn on State Street just before 9 p.m. on October 31. According to law enforcement, the victim was found outside the bar suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest and a serious cut on his head.
Emergency responders treated the injured man at the scene before transporting him to St. Vincent Hospital, where doctors stabilized him. The victim was later able to speak to police, recounting the moments leading up to the attack. He told officers he had been with Goodletson’s former wife at the bar when Goodletson entered, became agitated, and began yelling from across the room.
The altercation escalated quickly. Surveillance video from inside the Hammer Inn reportedly captured Goodletson shouting expletives upon seeing the victim, then advancing toward him. The footage allegedly shows Goodletson pinning the victim against a wall with one hand while stabbing him several times with the other.
Witnesses told police that after the stabbing, both men exited the bar, with Goodletson closely following his victim outside. Officers arrived soon after and located Goodletson behind the building, where they found him with blood on his hands and a knife in a sheath attached to his belt. He was taken into custody without incident.
During his arrest, authorities say Goodletson discussed the stabbing, reportedly claiming his wife and the victim were involved in a relationship and expressing anger over their alleged affair. He also claimed he was acting in self-defense and mentioned having a concealed carry permit, stating others were “lucky” the outcome was not even more serious, according to investigators.
Court documents indicate Goodletson faces a charge of attempted first-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon enhancement. He appeared in Brown County court earlier this week, where a judge set bond at $250,000. He remains in county jail pending further proceedings.
The Hammer Inn incident prompted increased law enforcement presence in the area on Halloween night, though police reported no further disturbances linked to the case. The victim’s current condition has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities said he was conscious and able to provide details to detectives after the attack.
Authorities have not released the names of any other individuals involved, and court filings list Goodletson’s next scheduled appearance as November 18.
Investigators continue to review evidence, including witness interviews and video recordings, as they prepare for the upcoming court hearings.