Murder Victims’ Loved Ones Protest Against Lenient Plea Deals For Suspects

MINNEAPOLIS — The pushback against Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty continues to grow from the families of murder victims.

One of those families demonstrated at the Hennepin County Government Center Monday in hopes of avoiding a lenient plea deal for the suspect.

This comes a week after several other victims families did the same thing.

Danicka Bergeson died 11 days after her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Brenneman, pleaded guilty to abusing her. A judge ordered him to stay away, but he was in her apartment when police found her body.

Brenneman was re-arrested and eventually charged with her murder.

On Monday, Danicka's parents and sister — along with many other friends and supporters — brought signs to the courthouse. They said they want to support other victims of domestic violence, too.

They also want to raise the alarm in advance that they will not support a plea deal that shows leniency, which other victim families have criticized Moriarty for doing against their will.

"I would certainly say that we're concerned about where the county's been heading and what we've been hearing. I think we need to make sure that justice prevails here," said David Bergeson, Danicka's father. "From what we're hearing recently, we're certainly concerned about what's going on with plea agreements."

Brenneman had a brief court appearance Monday, where they set his next hearing for Dec. 18. Moriarty's office did not comment on the demonstration.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs help, call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 to be connected with someone from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline includes more options for support and identifiers of abuse on its website.

For Minnesota residents, Cornerstone MN offers resources and safe housing for domestic abuse survivors and crime victims. Call 1-866-223-1111 or chat online with the crisis hotline.

SOURCE: KARE 11