Man Murdered Eagan Woman and Her Unborn Child with Knife: Charges

A Twin Cities man has been charged in the death of a mother and her unborn child. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced Thursday that Vern Jason Mouelle, age 23, of Brooklyn Park, has been charged with one count of murder in the second degree (with intent) and one count of murder of an unborn child in the second degree (with intent) in connection with the deaths of Senicha Marie Lessman, age 25, of Eagan, and her unborn child.

"We are devastated at the tragic death of my daughter Senicha and her unborn son," said Margi Lessman in a statement.

"She was a loving, kind, smart and beautiful young woman who was very excited to be a mother. She was loved greatly by all of her family, friends and coworkers. We will miss her more than words can say. We are asking for privacy while our family grieves during this difficult time."

Shortly before 3 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2017, Lessman’s mother found her daughter naked, unconscious and unresponsive with a bloody cloth stuffed into her mouth in the bedroom of her daughter’s Eagan residence. Lessman’s mother called 911 and Eagan police and paramedics responded.

Officers observed what appeared to be a knife wound to Lessman’s neck. Officers and emergency medical personnel attempted to revive her but were unsuccessful, according to a news release.

Lessman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was approximately 32 weeks pregnant, and her unborn child also died.

Officers spoke to Lessman’s mother who identified Mouelle as the unborn child’s father. Officers also spoke to a neighbor who described an SUV that had been parked in the driveway earlier that day.

Motor vehicle records revealed that a Mazda Tribute matching the description of the one observed by the neighbor was registered to Mouelle’s mother. Officers located Mouelle and the vehicle at Mouelle’s place of employment.

Officers then obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and inside found a store receipt for a pocket knife that had been purchased earlier that day, empty packaging for the knife, Lessman’s cellphone, a bloody trashcan and bloody women’s clothing.

An autopsy was conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner which revealed that Lessman died from a knife wound to her neck or obstruction of her airway.

Authorities say this case remains under investigation.

“This was a violent attack that has resulted in the senseless and tragic deaths of a young woman and her unborn child," Backstrom said in a statement.

"Our deepest sympathy is expressed to the family and friends of Senicha Lessman.”

Backstrom thanked the Eagan Police Department for their investigation into this matter and Mounds View police for their assistance in arresting Mouelle.

Mouelle made his first appearance in court Thursday. Bail in the amount of $2,000,000 without conditions ($1,500,000 with conditions) was set by Dakota County District Court Judge Kathryn Messerich.

Image via Eagan Police Department