Home / Crime and Justice / Professor Arrested in Pregnant Girlfriend's Murder, Arson
Professor Arrested in Pregnant Girlfriend's Murder, Arson
19 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Professor allegedly murdered pregnant girlfriend and her dog.
- He is accused of setting her house on fire to destroy evidence.
- Cell phone data placed him at the scene during the fire.
A devastating incident has led to the arrest of Matthew R. Sierra, a college professor in Wisconsin, for the alleged murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Alexis Pickett, and her dog. The 27-year-old victim was found deceased in her home after firefighters responded to a blaze on November 13. Evidence suggests Pickett was killed before the fire, which was apparently set to conceal the crime.
Investigators have linked Sierra, 38, to the crime scene through surveillance and cellphone data. He was reportedly seen leaving Pickett's residence shortly before smoke alarms activated. Authorities believe Sierra may have pressured Pickett to have an abortion, threatening to seek custody of their other child if she refused.
Sierra was arrested on December 16 and is currently held on a $1 million bond. He has been placed on administrative leave from his position as a mechanical design professor at Western Technical College. The La Crosse Police Chief commended the collaborative investigation.
