Dec. 24, 2025
LA CROSSE, Wis. — A La Crosse County judge has dismissed all criminal charges against a Genoa man previously accused in a fatal house fire that killed a woman and her unborn child last month.
Judge Horne on Tuesday granted a defense motion to dismiss charges against Matthew R. Sierra, 38, who had faced counts of first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree intentional homicide of an unborn child and arson. Sierra was arrested Dec. 16 following a month-long investigation into the Nov. 13 fire that claimed the life of 27-year-old Alexis K. Pickett.
Attorney David Pierce, representing Sierra, said the ruling confirms what his client and family have maintained from the start. “Matthew is innocent,” Pierce said in a statement. “What happened is a tragedy, but Matthew did not commit this heinous act.”
Authorities initially alleged Sierra was responsible for the blaze on the 1700 block of Taylor Street, where firefighters discovered Pickett’s body. The case drew attention across La Crosse and Vernon counties, with multiple agencies assisting in the investigation.
Officials said the case remains under review, but Sierra is no longer facing charges.
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Genoa man charged with homicide in La Crosse County arson case
Dec. 16, 2025
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Authorities in La Crosse and Vernon County announced a major break in a homicide investigation on Tuesday, arresting a 38-year-old man in connection with a residential fire that killed a young woman and her unborn child last month.
Matthew R. Sierra of Genoa was taken into custody on Dec. 16, 2025, following a month-long probe into the death of 27-year-old Alexis K. Pickett,. Sierra now faces three felony charges: first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree intentional homicide of an unborn child, and arson of a building without the owner’s consent,.
The investigation began in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2025, when the La Crosse Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 1700 block of Taylor Street. Arriving at approximately 3:30 a.m., crews encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions. It was during a search of the burning residence that firefighters discovered Pickett deceased inside,.
La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron described the effort to identify a suspect as “diligent, comprehensive, and strategic”. The break in the case was the result of collaboration between the La Crosse Police and Fire Departments, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Wisconsin State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance during the investigation.
“The loss of life in any fire deeply affects everyone in our department,” said La Crosse Fire Chief Jeff Schott. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the individual involved during this difficult time”.
Authorities stated that the investigation remains open and emphasized that Sierra is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,.
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