Woman killed in Eagan home ID'd; her 32-week fetus also died

The nearly full-term fetus being carried by a 25-year-old woman who was killed in her Eagan home did not survive, police said Wednesday.

A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park remains jailed in connection with the deaths Tuesday at a home in the 3100 block of Alden Pond Lane, a quiet street in a neighborhood of townhouses to the northeast of Hwy. 13 and Yankee Doodle Road.

The suspect, who has yet to be charged, is being held on two counts of first-degree murder, according to the Dakota County jail log.

The woman was identified by police Wednesday as Senicha M. Lessman.

In a statement issued through police by Lessman's mother, Margi Lessman said that she and other loved ones "are devastated at the tragic death of my daughter, Senicha, and her unborn son. She was a loving, kind, smart and beautiful young woman who was very excited to be a mother."

Police were called to the home about 2:50 p.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman.

Officers and emergency medical personnel gave immediate attention to the woman, but "unfortunately, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene," a statement from police read.

Lessman, who showed signs of trauma, was 32 weeks pregnant.

"Sadly, the fetus died as well," police spokesman Aaron Machtemes said.

About three hours later, a suspect was arrested in Mounds View. Police said they are looking for no other suspects.

Authorities have yet to address a possible motive for the killings or to explain the relationship between Lessman and the suspected killer.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482