Prosecutors in Minnesota have upgraded charges against a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend just 11 days after being released from jail for assaulting her. This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for stronger protective measures for victims.
Matthew Brenneman, 39, is now facing one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in the death of Dena Bergenson, 33, a former Army medic.
Dena Bergenson, a former Army medic, tragically lost her life to domestic violence.
The tragic chain of events began in June when Brenneman pleaded guilty to two separate domestic violence cases involving Bergenson. He had been accused of striking, biting, and choking her. Despite the severity of his actions, Brenneman was released from jail as part of a plea deal while awaiting sentencing in August. A condition of his release was to have no contact with Bergenson.
However, just 11 days later, Brenneman allegedly went to Bergenson’s apartment and killed her. Police were alerted by the building manager, who reported hearing yelling and banging coming from her unit. Upon arrival, officers found Brenneman convulsing on the bathroom floor after consuming bleach. Bergenson was found deceased, wrapped in blankets with a plastic garbage bag over her head, indicating she had been dead for days.
Adding to the disturbing details, police discovered several alleged suicide notes scattered throughout the apartment, purportedly written by Brenneman. In these notes, he expressed his profound love for Bergenson and admitted to blacking out and hurting her. He also stated his inability to live with the consequences of his actions.
Brenneman was taken to a hospital and later arrested and charged. His bail was set at $2 million. While his public defender initially filed a motion to dismiss the second-degree murder charges, citing the medical examiner’s inability to determine an exact cause of death, this motion was filed before the first-degree murder charge was added.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement emphasizing the need for a strong response to intimate partner violence, highlighting the trauma inflicted upon survivors and the devastation caused to families.
Matthew Brenneman is facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of his ex-girlfriend, Dena Bergenson.
Dena Bergenson’s father, David Bergenson, shared his grief and insights into his daughter’s life and the tragic circumstances surrounding her death in an exclusive interview. He described Dena as a vibrant and giving person, highlighting her academic and athletic achievements, including her time in the US Army and her passion for animal science.
David Bergenson expressed his shock and dismay over the system’s failure to protect his daughter. He questioned how Brenneman, despite a restraining order, could return to Bergenson’s address without any monitoring or intervention. This case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of restraining orders and robust monitoring of individuals with a history of domestic violence.
He also shared his concern over the medical examiner’s initial failure to determine a cause of death, a recurring issue in Hennepin County. However, he expressed confidence in the prosecution’s ability to navigate this challenge based on their experience with similar situations.
The tragic death of Dena Bergenson serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the systemic failures that often leave victims vulnerable. It underscores the critical need for legislative reform, stricter enforcement of protective orders, and increased awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse.
