Wisconsin Man Charged with Strangling Girlfriend, Claims Self-Defense

Authorities say Rudolf Knapp assaulted his girlfriend while she was eating gelato in bed, leaving her unable to breathe.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:55pm

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled, bloodied piece of paper or fabric, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty, investigative nature of a domestic violence case.A close-up of physical evidence from a domestic violence incident exposes the harsh realities of such crimes.Little Chute Today

A 59-year-old Wisconsin man has been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, strangulation, battery, and disorderly conduct after allegedly strangling his girlfriend while she was eating gelato in bed. Rudolf Knapp claims he acted in self-defense, telling police the woman was swinging a box cutter or razor blade at him and that he 'had no other option' than to strangle her. However, police say the injuries on Knapp's body do not match his story.

Why it matters

Domestic violence incidents like this highlight the complex dynamics and challenges in these types of cases, where perpetrators may claim self-defense despite evidence to the contrary. It also raises questions about mental health, substance abuse, and the need for better resources and support systems to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Knapp allegedly put his hands around the woman's neck and started choking her while she was eating gelato in bed. The woman told police she went 'in and out of consciousness' and 'thought she was going to die.' The woman's son heard the commotion and saw Knapp on top of his mother before Knapp fled the scene. Police later found Knapp and questioned him, during which he claimed the woman had been swinging a box cutter or razor blade at him and that he 'had no other option' than to strangle her.

  • On Sunday night, the incident occurred around 11:45 p.m.
  • On Monday, Knapp showed up at the Outagamie Sheriff's Office to report that he had been 'drugged and assaulted.'

The players

Rudolf Knapp

A 59-year-old Wisconsin man who has been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, strangulation, battery, and disorderly conduct for allegedly strangling his girlfriend.

The Girlfriend

A woman who was allegedly strangled by Knapp while she was eating gelato in bed. She told police she 'thought she was going to die.'

The Girlfriend's Son

The woman's son who heard the commotion from his mother's bedroom and saw Knapp on top of his mother before Knapp fled the scene.

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What they’re saying

“I just wanted her to stop hurting me. I was just so tired of being hurt by everybody.”

— Rudolf Knapp

“I am evil and sick. There is no question in my mind of what I have to do now.”

— Rudolf Knapp

What’s next

Knapp is currently being held on $500,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court again, though a date has not yet been set.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of domestic violence incidents, where perpetrators may claim self-defense despite evidence to the contrary. It underscores the need for better resources and support systems to prevent such tragedies and address the underlying mental health and substance abuse issues that can contribute to these types of crimes.