Man Arrested For Killing Pregnant Eagan Woman
EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO) -- We're learning more about Senicha Lessman, the 25-year-old pregnant woman killed Tuesday inside her Eagan home.
Vern Mouelle, 23, of Brooklyn Park, was arrested shortly after the body was found. Authorities say he was in a relationship with Lessman.
Mouelle was booked into the Dakota County Jail but has not yet been charged with a crime. Prosecutors say he could be charged with two counts of first-degree murder as early as Thursday.
Family members found Lessman's body Tuesday afternoon inside her home on Alden Pond Lane, investigators said. She had trauma to her face and neck.
She was also 32 weeks pregnant. A recent social media post shows an ultrasound of her unborn baby boy.
On Wednesday, investigators went door-to-door after the killing, asking neighbors questions.
"Just to see if we noticed anything different yesterday, if we heard anything or had information for them," said neighbor Priscilla Dunham.
Dunham, who is new to the area, said she was glad to hear police eventually caught up with a person of interest.
"Approximately two hours after Eagan officers responded to the address, the suspect was taken into custody," said Aaron Machtemes, with Eagan police.
Police say Mouelle was arrested in Mounds View, but has not been charged with a crime.
Lessman's mother released a statement that saying the family is devastated by her daughter's death.
"She was a loving, kind, smart and beautiful young woman who was very excited to be a mother," the statement said. "She was loved greatly by all of her family, friends, and coworkers. We will miss her more than words can say."