Hennepin County Attorney’s Office secures indictment of Matthew Scott Brenneman

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced today that the office has secured an indictment of Matthew Scott Brenneman, 39, Hopkins, on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder in a domestic-violence related homicide, which occurred July 8, 2023. The indictment listed three counts against Mr. Brenneman: first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with a past pattern of domestic abuse, second-degree murder while committing a felony, and second-degree murder while under restraining order for protection.

“Our thoughts are with the victim's family as they navigate this terrible chapter of their lives,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Intimate partner violence requires a powerful response. It is an act that leaves traumatized survivors and devastated families in its wake. We are aggressively prosecuting those who commit this violence.

“Prosecution is only part of the necessary response. More must be done to support domestic violence victims, from earlier interventions that account for the complexity of these situations to the tools and support survivors need to escape dangerous environments.”

Mr. Brenneman is currently in custody and his bail has been increased to $2 million. His next court appearance is Dec. 18, 2023.