Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty After Wedding Finger-Biting Incident

A Milwaukee man pleaded no contest this week to charges related to a 2023 wedding incident where he allegedly bit off part of another guest’s fingertip. Nathan Landsee, a resident of Milwaukee, was charged with disorderly conduct and battery and was found guilty after his plea on Monday, according to court records.

The Finger-Biting Incident

The incident occurred on October 27, 2023, at The Club at Lac La Belle, a popular wedding venue in the Town of Oconomowoc. Police responded to reports of a violent altercation, with initial calls indicating that “someone had their fingertip bitten off.”

When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Landsee sitting on a couch with blood on his sleeve that didn’t appear to be his. There was also blood on the floor between the venue’s foyer and ballroom, according to the criminal complaint. Several wedding guests were visibly upset, with some in tears over the shocking event.

How To Ruin A Wedding 101

Witnesses provided details of two separate incidents involving Landsee that night. The first disturbance occurred when he allegedly inappropriately touched another guest, leading to anger and confrontations from other attendees. Landsee, growing more agitated, began yelling, prompting the bride and groom to intervene and attempt to calm him down.

Despite efforts to defuse the situation, Landsee became disorderly again shortly afterward. When guests asked him to leave the wedding, his frustration escalated, causing further disruption. One witness told police he warned Landsee that if he didn’t leave within five minutes, law enforcement would be called.

Here Comes The Finger Bite...

At this point, Landsee reportedly lunged at the guest, attempting to strike him. A physical altercation ensued, and as others restrained him, Landsee bit off the tip of one person’s finger. According to the criminal complaint, about half an inch of the victim’s finger was severed, with bone exposed. The fingertip was placed in a cup of ice as medical personnel were called.

Landsee, who was described as “highly intoxicated” by police, cooperated with investigators, claiming he didn’t recall the specifics of the incident. He stated that in the scuffle, someone put their hand in his mouth, and he bit down in response.

The victim later informed police that he required 18 to 19 stitches in an attempt to reattach the fingertip. If the surgery did not succeed, the victim faced the possibility of permanent disfigurement.

Landsee is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13.