Ex-boyfriend convicted of killing Minnesota woman, just days after being released from prison for assault – Crime Online

A Minnesota man who admitted to killing his ex-girlfriend just days after being released from prison on assault charges was sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison Friday.

Matthew Brenneman, 40, had a restraining order in place when he killed 33-year-old Danicka Bergeson in July 2023 and left her body in her apartment, covered in abrasions and bruises and wrapped in blankets and a plastic garbage bag, CrimeOnline reported. He was also found in the apartment after swallowing bleach in a suicide attempt.

Brenneman was initially charged with first- and second-degree murder in August 2023 and then in December.

He pleaded guilty last month to first-degree murder, the Hennepin County District Attorney's Office said. On Friday, he was sentenced to 285 months (23 years and 9 months) in prison, with 411 days of credit for time already served.

“Our thoughts are with Danicka's family today,” said Hennepin County District Attorney Mary Moriarty. “We will continue to prosecute those who commit domestic violence. We know that while justice is essential, nothing can give back to shattered families what was taken from them.”

According to court documents, Brenneman was initially charged with assaulting Bergeson in April 2023 and released the next day, only to assault her again in May. He pleaded guilty to both counts in June and was released from prison pending sentencing, which was scheduled for August.

Several members of Bergeson's family spoke before the sentencing, calling for better services to protect victims of domestic violence, WCCO reported. Her mother said that despite our efforts, “the system has failed her in the most profound ways.”

Brenneman also spoke before the verdict was announced and said he wanted to “apologize to the Bergeson family.”

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[Featured image: Danicka Bergeson/handout and Matthew Scott Brenneman/Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office]