It was a week before Christmas in 2022, when Saint Paul, Minnesota, police officers Ching Vang and Justina Hser responded to a call about a woman shot in the head. They arrived at the apartment building where they found 32-year-old Alex Pennig with a gunshot wound to her left temple. Her boyfriend, Matthew Ecker, had called 911 after the incident. Ecker claimed that Alex had grabbed the gun and shot herself in the bathroom. However, detectives found inconsistencies in his story.
Ecker’s account of the events did not align with the evidence found at the scene. Detectives discovered a piece of metal from the bathroom door lock under Alex’s head, indicating that the door had been forced open before the gunshot. They suspected that Ecker had shot Alex after an argument. Despite Ecker’s claims of innocence, forensic testing revealed gunshot residue on Alex’s left hand, indicating that she had fired the gun. Ecker was charged with second-degree murder.
During the trial, Ecker maintained his innocence, but the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder after nine hours of deliberation. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Despite Ecker’s family’s protestations of his innocence, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture. The case raised questions about Ecker’s prescribing of medications to Alex, which was deemed unethical but not illegal.
Alex’s family and friends continue to mourn her loss and seek closure. They remember her as a vibrant and loving person who struggled with depression and addiction. The case highlighted the complexities of mental health issues and relationships. The aftermath of Alex’s tragic death continues to impact both families involved, as they grapple with the loss and search for answers.
