A Wisconsin man, Rudolf Knapp, 59, is in custody after being accused of strangling his girlfriend during a violent incident at a home in Little Chute. Despite the allegations, Knapp told police that he was the one being attacked.
Disturbance Call Leads to Arrest
According to the Fox Valley Metro Police Department, officers responded to the home around 11:45 p.m. Sunday after receiving a distress call. The call came from the woman’s young son, who told dispatchers his mother was “screaming for help” and being choked by an unknown man.
Dispatchers reported hearing screaming in the background before the child stopped responding.
Victim’s Account of the Attack
When officers arrived, they found the woman with visible injuries, including a bloody mouth, red marks on her neck, and swelling around her eye. She later told police that the incident began while the couple was in bed and arguing.
According to investigators, Knapp allegedly got on top of her and wrapped his hands around her neck, cutting off her ability to breathe.
She told police she lost consciousness multiple times and believed she was going to die.
Son Witnessed the Incident
The woman’s son told officers he heard the disturbance, entered the room, and saw Knapp on top of his mother. He yelled at Knapp, who then fled the scene in a vehicle.
Text Messages and Alleged Confession
Police say Knapp later sent disturbing text messages to the victim, including:
- “I have no idea how I lost control… I am evil and sick.”
- “Thank you for one last good day.”
Authorities also spoke with one of Knapp’s friends, who said Knapp admitted to the assault and made suicidal statements.
Knapp’s Version: Claims He Was Attacked
When Knapp later turned himself in, he told officers he acted in self-defense. He claimed the woman had:
- Drugged him with medication
- Attacked him with a box cutter or razor blade
- Threatened his life
“I just wanted her to stop hurting me,” Knapp told police.
However, investigators said the cuts on his body did not match his version of events. Knapp later admitted the injuries were self-inflicted and acknowledged struggling with mental health issues, telling officers, “I am a monster.”
Charges and Custody
Knapp is now facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Attempted first-degree intentional homicide
- Strangulation
- Battery
- Disorderly conduct
He is being held at the Outagamie County Jail on a $500,000 cash bond. He appeared in court Tuesday, with his next court date yet to be scheduled.
