In a shocking case out of Wisconsin, a college instructor faces grave accusations of taking the life of his pregnant mistress and her unborn child.

According to a Breitbart News report, Matt Sierra, a 38-year-old instructor from La Crosse County, has been charged with the murder of 27-year-old Alexis Pickett on November 13. Prosecutors allege that Sierra also set her home on fire, resulting in the death of her unborn child and her dog.

Sierra, who is married to another woman, was initially charged on December 17, but those charges were dismissed due to an insufficient criminal complaint. A revised complaint with additional details was filed on December 26, allowing the case to proceed.

Unraveling a Tragic Relationship

The criminal complaint reveals a deeply troubled relationship between Sierra and Pickett, who already shared a 2-year-old child. Sierra reportedly urged Pickett to terminate her current pregnancy, which she refused to do. Their exchanges, as detailed in the updated charging document, highlight intense disagreements over the unborn child.

Text messages cited in the complaint show Sierra expressing frustration over the situation. “I barely kept my life together after [the previous child],” he allegedly wrote to Pickett. “I told you I’m not having another kid.”

Pickett’s response and their ongoing arguments paint a picture of mounting tension. A friend of Pickett’s informed authorities that the couple frequently clashed over the pregnancy. The situation escalated tragically, leading to the events of November 13.

Evidence Points to Foul Play

Authorities have gathered surveillance footage placing Sierra near Pickett’s home around the time smoke alarms were triggered on the night of the fire. The footage reportedly shows no other individuals entering or leaving the area during that critical window. This evidence has become central to the prosecution’s case against him.

While responding to the fire, officials discovered Pickett’s body inside the residence, along with her deceased dog. The complaint notes that Sierra and Pickett had spent parts of the previous day together, adding context to his presence in the area. However, the exact cause of the fire and Pickett’s death remains unclear due to the severe damage caused by the blaze.

An autopsy revealed that Pickett died before the fire started, as there was no soot or carbon monoxide found in her body. The medical examiner noted the difficulty in determining a precise cause of death due to the condition of her remains. This finding has raised further questions about the nature of her death.

Conflicting Accounts and Charges

Sierra told investigators that he left Pickett’s home between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on the night of the incident, claiming he stayed nearby to see if she would contact him. However, phone records contradict his statement, showing his device was at his own residence during that time. This discrepancy has fueled suspicion among authorities.

The amended complaint includes text exchanges where Sierra appears to make veiled threats. “I’m going to do what I feel I need to do,” he allegedly texted Pickett, prompting her to reply, “Well tell me what are you going to do because that sounds like a threat.”

Sierra faces four felony charges, including first-degree intentional homicide for both Pickett and her unborn child, arson, and mistreatment of animals resulting in death. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 5. Currently, he remains in custody at La Crosse County Jail with bail set at $1 million.

Lessons to Learn

1. Pay attention to warning signs in relationships. The text messages released by authorities emphasized a growing conflict and troubling language that friends or loved ones may have recognized as dangerous. Open communication and early intervention can sometimes interrupt escalating situations, but not always.

2. Technology can help uncover the truth. In this case, surveillance video and cellphone data contradicted the suspect’s statements to the police, showing the value of digital footprints in investigations. While they aren’t foolproof, such tools are critical in modern law enforcement.

3. Every life has value, and threats should never be dismissed. If someone expresses hostility over a pregnancy or any life event, it should be taken seriously. However, it’s important to remember that crime can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed for their actions or decisions.

Why This Story Matters

This case is a chilling reminder of how interpersonal relationships can tragically escalate to deadly violence. It highlights the importance of taking threats seriously and using the legal system to protect vulnerable individuals. Communities must be aware of the signs of domestic conflict and support those at risk.

Matt Sierra, a former instructor at Western Technical College, is accused of murdering Alexis Pickett after she refused to have an abortion, then setting fire to her house in an effort to destroy evidence. Authorities relied on surveillance footage and cellphone data that allegedly contradicted his alibi. Sierra is currently facing four serious felony charges, including homicide and arson, and remains in custody ahead of his January 5 hearing.