Shivangi Sinha
The loss of a child is an unimaginable grief, an enduring ache that forever changes those left behind. This was the deep sorrow Jim and Mary Jo Pennig faced when they learned that their daughter, Alex Pennig, had died unexpectedly in her home in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their heartbreak grew as they heard claims from her “friend” that she had taken her own life, a story that left them with more questions than answers. In CBS’ episode of ‘48 Hours’ titled ‘The Strange Shooting of Alex Pennig,’ the Pennigs spoke publicly, reflecting on their daughter’s vibrant life and the shocking revelations that later unfolded about her death.
Alex Pennig’s Parents Refused to Believe She Had Harmed Herself
Jim and Mary Jo Pennig welcomed their younger daughter, Alexandra “Alex” Pennig, into the world in 1990. She had an older sister, Brady Pennig, who was a responsible and caring role model. Seeing their daughters grow up close to each other, sharing a deep bond and love, was a joy for Jim and Mary Jo. They poured everything they had into supporting their girls through every milestone, big and small. Watching them both enter the healthcare field filled them with pride—Brady as a doctor and Alex as a nurse. During her graduation, Alex’s heartfelt thanks to them for their unwavering support made their hearts overflow with joy.
For Jim and Mary Jo, Alex was the light of their lives, a young woman filled with boundless love and compassion for everyone—people and animals alike. She often brought stray cats home, and her parents cherished the kindness she showed to every living being. There was a difficult period, however, when they discovered she was struggling with mental health issues and addiction. Mary Jo recalled one particularly painful moment when Alex swallowed a handful of pills and told her she wanted to end her life. They stood by her during this challenging phase, supporting her through treatment and even arranging for her to go to rehab to help her find her way back to health.
Jim and Mary Jo shared that after Alex returned from rehab, she seemed to be doing well. On December 15, 2022, she even called her mother around 6 pm, and Mary Jo noticed nothing unusual—no signs of distress or concern. So when the police informed them the next morning that Alex had died from a gunshot wound, they found it impossible to believe. Jim was left stunned. They knew Matthew Ecker as Alex’s friend, but when they learned that he was responsible for her death, their world was shattered. Together with their eldest daughter, they attended the hearing to see justice served for Alex. It was the closure they needed, even though the pain remained.
Jim and Mary Jo Pennig Continue to Embrace and Honor Alex’s Memory
As of today, Jim and Mary Jo Pennig have settled into a close-knit life in Hugo, Minnesota, where their family remains central to their world. Their eldest daughter, Brady Pennig LaBombard, visits frequently with her two kids, Lucy and Lilly, and together, they create a lively, supportive atmosphere that helps keep Alex’s spirit present in their lives. The family makes it a point to share stories and celebrate Alex, honoring her life by recounting her kindness, her achievements, and the joy she brought to those around her. Mary Jo has built a longstanding career as the Director of National Accounts at First Quality Enterprises, a role she has held with dedication since 2008.
She finds her work meaningful and takes pride in her accomplishments. Prior to this, she worked as the Executive Manager for Strategic Accounts at American Dawn, Inc., a position she left in March 2015 to focus more on her current role. Jim, meanwhile, has established a similarly fulfilling career as the Vice President of Business Development at VIPAR Heavy Duty, Inc., a company specializing in truck transportation. Since joining in March 2006, Jim has climbed the corporate ladder through hard work and loyalty, finding a strong connection to both the work and the supportive culture of his company. He plans to stay actively involved as long as he can, feeling deeply content with his career journey.
