Matthew R. Sierra and Alexis Pickett (La Crosse Police Department)
Newly released court documents have provided disturbing details in the death of 27-year-old Alexis Pickett and her unborn child, shedding light on what investigators say happened before a fatal fire in her La Crosse apartment last month.
A criminal complaint made public Wednesday outlines the events leading up to the November 13 incident, when the La Crosse Fire Department responded to a residential fire at an apartment building on Taylor Street. Fire crews arrived at the scene around 3:33 a.m. and later discovered Pickett’s body inside the apartment. The body of a dog was also found at the scene and is believed to have died before the fire began.
Authorities say the Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Pickett was already dead before the fire started. A toxicology report confirmed that she had no illicit substances in her system.
Investigators arrested 38-year-old Matthew Sierra on Tuesday in connection with the case. Surveillance footage cited in the complaint shows Sierra leaving Pickett’s apartment at 1719 Taylor Street at 2:46 a.m., while smoke alarms could be heard sounding inside the residence. Prosecutors allege that the fire was set after Pickett had already been killed, according to local WXOW.
According to the criminal complaint, Sierra confirmed during an interview with investigators that he and Pickett shared a child together and described their relationship as “on again, off again.” Sierra also told authorities that the couple learned in September that Pickett was pregnant with his child.
At the time of the incident, the couple’s first child was staying with one of Pickett’s friends. That friend told investigators that Sierra had made threatening statements toward Pickett related to the pregnancy. According to the complaint, the friend said Sierra threatened to seek full custody of their first child if Pickett did not get an abortion.
Investigators believe those threats are a key part of the timeline leading up to Pickett’s death. While the complaint does not detail the exact cause of death, authorities say the evidence supports charges of intentional homicide for both Pickett and her unborn child.
The criminal complaint also notes that the dog found in the apartment is believed to have died prior to the fire, leading to an additional charge related to animal mistreatment.
Earlier Wednesday, 19 News confirmed that Sierra is employed as a Mechanical Design instructor at Western Technical College. The college has placed him on administrative leave following his arrest. School officials have not released additional details, citing the ongoing legal process.
Sierra now faces multiple serious felony charges, including 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, 1st Degree Intentional Homicide-Unborn Child, Arson of Building, and Mistreatment of Animals. Prosecutors have requested a $1 million cash bail, citing the severity of the charges and the risk he may pose.
Court records indicate Sierra is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on December 23. If convicted on all counts, he could face life imprisonment.
The case has sent shockwaves through the La Crosse community, particularly given the presence of surveillance video, the involvement of a young child, and the allegations surrounding the pregnancy. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active as they continue to review evidence and prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
No additional suspects are being sought at this time.
