No Surprise: After Admitting to Abuse & Released, Man Murders Girlfriend
Aug 29, 2023, 11:00 AM
The life of 33-year-old Danicka Bergeson came to a tragic end in her Hopkins, Minnesota, home on July 8, when she was found dead, wrapped in layers of blankets. Nearly two months after her demise, her boyfriend, 39-year-old Matthew Brenneman, is facing serious charges, including second-degree murder and second-degree murder while under a restraining order. The status of his plea or whether he has retained legal counsel remains unclear.
The discovery of Danicka's body was prompted by her building manager, who reported hearing "groaning, yelling, and banging" sounds coming from her apartment. Responding officers found Brenneman inside the bathroom, "grunting, and growling," and reeking of bleach, as detailed in the complaint filed.
Danicka's father, David Bergeson, expressed his grief to KARE11, remembering his daughter as a vivacious woman with a strong moral code. "Everything with her was always black or white. She knew exactly what was right and wrong," he said. Nancy Andrews, a close friend of Danicka, echoed similar sentiments on her obituary page, noting her infectious smile, compassion for animals, and a passion for learning.
The complaint outlines a timeline of events that led to the discovery of Bergeson's body. Concerns for her safety were first raised by friends and family on July 2. On July 7, a message sent from Bergeson’s phone to her mother raised further suspicions, as it did not sound like something she would say. Phone records indicate that Brenneman was near Bergeson's residence on June 29, only two days after being released from jail for a prior assault on her. At that time, a restraining order against him was active.
The complaint goes on to document a history of violence between the couple, with multiple alleged incidents of assault, including biting and punching. Following an attack in April, Brenneman reportedly texted a friend, claiming he gave Bergeson a black eye and that she "deserved it, if any woman ever has."
During the investigation, police found what appeared to be bloody clothing in a guest bedroom of the apartment. Additionally, Brenneman left a series of notes throughout the apartment, proclaiming his innocence and denying ever being physically abusive to a woman. However, this claim was contradicted by the mother of Brenneman's child, who alleged that he had pinned her to the bed and hit her on one occasion.
Currently, Brenneman is being held under a $1,500,000 bail for each murder charge. Despite the autopsy revealing numerous wounds on Bergeson's body, the nature of her death was classified as "undetermined."
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, a fundraiser has been organized to assist Bergeson’s family with funeral expenses.
The case of Danicka Bergeson underscores the pervasive and persistent issue of domestic violence that afflicts individuals and families worldwide. It is of paramount importance to offer support to victims and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The discovery of Danicka's body was prompted by her building manager, who reported hearing "groaning, yelling, and banging" sounds coming from her apartment. Responding officers found Brenneman inside the bathroom, "grunting, and growling," and reeking of bleach, as detailed in the complaint filed.
Danicka's father, David Bergeson, expressed his grief to KARE11, remembering his daughter as a vivacious woman with a strong moral code. "Everything with her was always black or white. She knew exactly what was right and wrong," he said. Nancy Andrews, a close friend of Danicka, echoed similar sentiments on her obituary page, noting her infectious smile, compassion for animals, and a passion for learning.
The complaint outlines a timeline of events that led to the discovery of Bergeson's body. Concerns for her safety were first raised by friends and family on July 2. On July 7, a message sent from Bergeson’s phone to her mother raised further suspicions, as it did not sound like something she would say. Phone records indicate that Brenneman was near Bergeson's residence on June 29, only two days after being released from jail for a prior assault on her. At that time, a restraining order against him was active.
The complaint goes on to document a history of violence between the couple, with multiple alleged incidents of assault, including biting and punching. Following an attack in April, Brenneman reportedly texted a friend, claiming he gave Bergeson a black eye and that she "deserved it, if any woman ever has."
During the investigation, police found what appeared to be bloody clothing in a guest bedroom of the apartment. Additionally, Brenneman left a series of notes throughout the apartment, proclaiming his innocence and denying ever being physically abusive to a woman. However, this claim was contradicted by the mother of Brenneman's child, who alleged that he had pinned her to the bed and hit her on one occasion.
Currently, Brenneman is being held under a $1,500,000 bail for each murder charge. Despite the autopsy revealing numerous wounds on Bergeson's body, the nature of her death was classified as "undetermined."
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, a fundraiser has been organized to assist Bergeson’s family with funeral expenses.
The case of Danicka Bergeson underscores the pervasive and persistent issue of domestic violence that afflicts individuals and families worldwide. It is of paramount importance to offer support to victims and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com