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The forthcoming 48 Hours episode will focus on Alexandra Pennig's death, which was a difficult case for the detectives to crack as it was initially assumed to be a suicide. However, as additional information surfaced, it became clearer that Alexandra was murdered.
In 2024, Alexandra’s boyfriend/co-worker Matthew Ecker was found guilty of her death. He was charged with second-degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years behind bars.
This episode of 48 Hours, titled, The Strange Shooting of Alex Pennig, will air on CBS on October 26, 2024, at 10:00 pm ET. Before the episode airs, here are 5 key details about Alexandra Pennig's death, one must know.
5 key facts about Alexandra Pennig’s murder case to learn, ahead of 48 Hours
1) Alexandra Pennig was shot in the head
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As per CBS News, Alexandra Pennig, a 32-year-old nurse, was discovered dead on the floor of her bathroom on December 16, 2022. She died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. When first responders arrived on the scene, they discovered Alex motionless on the floor, with the murder weapon resting on her chest.
2) Initially, the detectives assumed Alexandra Pennig's death to be a suicide
When detectives Abby DeSanto and Jennifer O'Donnell arrived at the crime scene, they were informed by Pennig's boyfriend that the victim had shot herself. The scene also contained antidepressants, prescriptions in the victim's name, as well as other drugs and alcohol. According to witness accounts and the antidepressants found at the site, Alex's death was ruled to be a suicide.
3) Alexandra Pennig had tried to take her own life previously
As per reports by CBS News, when the detectives interrogated the victim's family, they learned that Alexandra was depressed and also addicted to drugs. A few years before her death, she even tried to overdose on pills and take her own life.
However, with proper help and rehab, she overcame her issues with addiction and was adjusting well in life. This left her parents confused as to how their daughter who seemed completely fine, took her own life.
4) Matthew Ecker had washed his hands before calling 911 for help
As per CBS, Matthew Ecker claimed that when he heard the gunshot, he broke open the toilet door and went inside. He found his girlfriend dead after which he placed the gun on her chest, washed his hands, and called 911.
However, when the first responders arrived on the scene, they found the sink dry, which was a bit suspicious and made the detectives question if Ecker was actually innocent.
5) The small piece of metal underneath the victim's body changed the entire case
When forensics discovered a small round piece of metal beneath the victim's body from the broken bathroom lock, the suicide ruling was scrapped. The new theory stated that Alexandra Pennig was trying to hide in the bathroom. Eric broke the door and the broken piece of the lock landed on the floor, and when he shot Alex, she landed on this broken piece.
Regarding this, Detective O'Donnell told CBS:
"For us, it meant that the door was forced open before she was shot."
Although Eric was convicted of second-degree murder and sent to prison for 30 years, he has not pleaded guilty to this crime. There has also been no motive found behind this murder.
To learn everything about this case, watch the upcoming 48 Hours episode, airing tonight on CBS. I will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
