Man Arrested for Alleged Stabbing of Woman in Appleton

Suspect Rolando Valenzuela Barrera found hiding in a dump trailer after the incident

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 51-year-old man named Rolando Valenzuela Barrera was arrested in Appleton, Wisconsin after allegedly stabbing a 43-year-old woman in the face and chest early Monday morning. The victim's injuries were not life-threatening, and she was taken to the hospital for treatment. Barrera was found hiding in a dump trailer in the driveway about 20 minutes after police arrived on the scene.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents like this one highlight the ongoing need for support services and resources to help protect victims and prevent such attacks. The arrest also raises questions about the suspect's criminal history, as he had an outstanding warrant from a 2012 case.

The details

Police were called to the 1500 block of N. Graceland Ave. in Appleton just before 3 a.m. on Monday morning. They found the 43-year-old female victim with stab wounds to her face and chest. Barrera was arrested and booked into jail on a potential charge of attempted homicide, though formal charges have not yet been filed.

  • The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Rolando Valenzuela Barrera

A 51-year-old man who was arrested and booked into jail on a potential charge of attempted homicide for allegedly stabbing a woman in Appleton. He had an outstanding warrant from a 2012 case.

The Victim

A 43-year-old woman who was stabbed in the face and chest, though her injuries were not life-threatening. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.

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What’s next

Formal charges against Rolando Valenzuela Barrera are expected to be filed in the coming days. The judge will also decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing need for domestic violence support services and resources in the Appleton community to protect victims and prevent such attacks. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing domestic violence cases.