La Crosse Man Pleads Not Guilty in Downtown Stabbing
Paul Thomas Jr. enters a not guilty plea to attempted homicide following an altercation in a downtown La Crosse alley.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Violence
Paul Thomas Jr. entered a plea of not guilty to one count of first-degree attempted intentional homicide in La Crosse County court. Prosecutors allege the 30-year-old suspect stabbed a victim six times following a decade-long dispute.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severity of violent encounters that can escalate from long-standing personal conflicts. The incident resulted in significant injuries to the victim, requiring three surgeries and blood transfusions.
Judge Gloria Doyle has bound the case over for trial and maintained a $2 million cash bond for the defendant. Thomas currently faces one count of first-degree attempted intentional homicide.
The players
Paul Thomas Jr.
He is the 30-year-old defendant from Onalaska who turned himself in to authorities after the stabbing.
Gloria Doyle
She is the judge presiding over the case in La Crosse County court.
The details
Surveillance video allegedly captured Thomas on top of the victim in a downtown alley off North Third Street after he pulled an object from his waistband. The confrontation originated from a dispute that had reportedly lasted for a decade.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: The stabbing occurred at approximately 11 p.m.
October 5, 2026: Thomas was formally charged.
October 21, 2026: Thomas entered a not guilty plea.
Legal Context
This case follows standard prosecutorial patterns for violent crimes involving intent to cause great bodily harm in Wisconsin. The charges reflect statutory limits that categorize attempted homicide as a major felony punishable by up to 60 years in prison.
The incident occurred in a high-traffic downtown alley, raising concerns regarding public safety near local businesses on North Third Street. Residents and visitors are reminded to report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a grim reminder of how unresolved personal grievances can lead to severe criminal consequences. Authorities emphasize the importance of seeking mediation or law enforcement intervention before conflicts escalate into physical violence.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings and safety in the city, visit La Crosse Violence.
