GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — A Green Bay man is facing a charge of first degree intentional homicide for a deadly stabbing that apparently started as a case of road rage.
Joseph Edward Olvera made his first court appearance Tuesday, where Brown County Circuit Court Commissioner Chad Resar ordered a $750,000 cash bond that was requested by the state.
Olvera is accused of stabbing a man on Sunday. The man later died from his wound early Monday morning.
A criminal complaint reveals the victim was with co-workers who were all in the same car and had stopped at the Marathon Gas Station on East Walnut Street on Sunday. One of the victim's friends said a black SUV drove near their car, "in an aggressive manner" and stopped near them.
According to the criminal complaint, the witness said a man got out of the SUV and argued with victim before stabbing him and then drove away. Before getting in his vehicle and driving away, the criminal complaint states a witness told police the suspect said he was a "blood gangster."
The criminal complaint said a witness later identified Olvera in a photo lineup.
According to the complaint, officers tracked down Olvera's wife, who stated in the criminal complaint that Olvera became angry when another vehicle cut him off at the gas station. The criminal complaint also said Olvera's wife tried to hide his cell phone from police.
The complaint also states a search of Olvera in online court records show he had been previously charged with other crimes, including operating while revoked, disorderly conduct, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony possession with the intent to deliver THC. One of his previous bond conditions stated he wasn't allowed to have weapons, including knives.
In addition to the homicide charge, Olvera has been charged with three counts of bail jumping.
In court Tuesday, Olvera was ordered to have no contact with witnesses in the case and was also ordered a GPS installed to stay within Brown County.
In the criminal complaint, a friend of the victim told police that the victim had recently moved to Green Bay from Minnesota and he worked at the JBS meat plant. According to the complaint, the victim was originally from Thailand and was raised at a refugee camp.
Also in court Tuesday, a letter written by victim's sister was read:
"The life of my brother was taken in a blink of an eye by someone who did not know him. My brother was loved by his family, relatives and cherished by his community. He was a friendly, helpful and had his entire life in front of him until someone took it upon himself to cut his life short. It is a life, a human life, it cannot be bought or sold. We want justice for our loved one. His murder must be held accountable for as long as the murder walks free, please consider how many more lives could be lost because of him. You are all very wise people. I trust you will do what is best for the community safety."
Olvera's next court appearance is scheduled for April 27.
