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The upcoming episode of 48 Hours on CBS will focus on the death of a Minnesota nurse named Alexandra Pennig, who was shot in the head. This homicide case became complicated over time since it was unclear if Pennig's death was murder or suicide.
However, the St. Paul, Minnesota, detectives and forensics did a great job cracking this case and delivering justice to Pennig and her family.
The upcoming 48 Hours episode, which will focus on this case, is titled The Strange Shooting of Alex Pennig. It will air on CBS on October 26, 2024, at 10 p.m. EST.
Alexandra Pennig was found lifeless and shot in the head.
Trending
As per CBS News, Alexandra Pennig was found shot in the head on December 16, 2022. The detectives arrived at her St. Paul’s home and found her unalive and lifeless. As per evidence reports by CBS, six bottles of medicines, which included antidepressants and prescription medications, were found in the victim's home. There was also alcohol, alongside the medications.
Alex Pennig’s boyfriend, Matthew Ecker, was present at the crime scene. He reported to the homicide detectives Jennifer O’Donnell and Abby DeSanto that Pennig shot herself behind closed doors, and as soon as he heard the gunshot, he broke the door of the washroom and found her flat on the floor and lifeless.
Reportedly, after this, Ecker tried to revive her, but when he failed, he washed his hands and called 911 for help.
Investigations
As per reports by CBS News, when the homicide detectives interrogated the victim's family, they learned that Alex had a history of drug abuse and was also battling depression. She had also tried to take her own life previously; however, she was sent to rehab and came out clean.
Alexandra Pennig's parents stated that she appeared joyful before her death, making suicide seem unusual. The detectives next interrogated Matthew Ecker, who was the only person present at the scene of the crime. He gave the same statement that the victim shot herself.
Was it murder or suicide?
As per reports by CBS News, when the forensics delved deep into the case, they found a very crucial piece of evidence. Underneath the body of the victim, a round metal piece was found, which was a part of the broken bathroom lock.
This discovery led to the abandonment of the suicide theory. The police theorized and decided that Ecker had broken the door and shot Alexandra Pennig. After breaking the washroom door, the piece of metal dropped behind the victim, who was then shot and landed on the broken portion of the old door lock. Earlier, Ecker had claimed that he washed hands before calling 911, but the sink was dry when the first responders arrived, which was again fishy.
Matthew Eckerr did not plead guilty to the crime; however, based on all the circumstantial evidence, he was charged with second-degree murder on February 16, 2024.
As per reports by Fergus Now, Ecker was sentenced to 30 years in prison on April 4, 2024.
To know more about this case, watch the upcoming episode of 48 Hours on CBS titled The Strange Shooting of Alex Pennig.
