A Minnesota man who admitted killing his ex-girlfriend just days after he was released from jail for assaulting her was sentenced Friday to nearly 24 years in prison.

Matthew Brenneman, 40, was under a restraining order when he killed Danicka Bergeson, 33, and left her body in her apartment, covered in abrasions and bruising and wrapped in blankets and a plastic garbage bag in July 2023, as CrimeOnline reported. He was found at the apartment as well, having swallowed bleach in an attempt to kill himself.

Brenneman was initially charged in August 2023 and then indicted on first- and second-degree murder charges in December.

He pleaded guilty last month to second degree murder, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said. On Friday, he was sentened to 285 months (23 year, 9 month) with 411 days credit for time served.

“All of our thoughts are with Danicka’s family today,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “We will continue prosecuting those who commit intimate partner violence, knowing that while seeking justice is essential, nothing can return what is taken from devastated families.”

Court documents say Brenneman was initially charged in April 2023 with assaulting Bergeson and released the next day, only to assault her again in May. In June, he pleaded guilty in both cases and was released from jail pending sentencing, which was scheduled for August.

Multiple members of Bergeson’s family spoke before the sentencing, all calling for better services to protect victims of domestic violence, WCCO reported. Her mother said that “despite our efforts the system failed her in the most profound way.”

Brenneman also spoke before the sentencing, saying he wanted “to apologize to the Bergeson family.”

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Featured image: Danicka Bergeson/handout and Matthew Scott Brenneman/Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office]