Monique Baugh Murdered on New Year’s Eve in Minneapolis Minnesota
The murder of Monique Baugh, a young real estate agent, shook the city of Minneapolis on New Year’s Eve in 2019. Her brutal killing not only sparked grief and outrage but also raised questions about safety, gang activity, and how a promising life could be cut short so violently. This tragic case captured national headlines, revealing disturbing details about a senseless crime with deep connections to criminal networks. It marked the end of one year in bloodshed and began the new year with sorrow for her family and the community.
The Life of Monique Baugh
Monique Baugh was a 28-year-old mother of two, living a vibrant life as a real estate agent in the Minneapolis area. Her professional career was on the rise, and she had begun building a solid reputation within the local housing market. As a driven and successful businesswoman, she was known for her dedication, work ethic, and devotion to her family.
Her personal life was just as important to her as her professional one. She was the partner of musician and entrepreneur, Jon Mitchell, known professionally as Momoh. Together, they had two young daughters, and by all accounts, Monique’s life was full of promise, both as a mother and a real estate agent. Her aspirations for growth in her career were evident as she continued to expand her network and client base, aiming to establish a secure future for her family.
A Real Estate Showing Turns Deadly
On December 31, 2019, what began as an ordinary workday for Monique took a deadly turn. She received a call to show a house in the Maple Grove area of Minneapolis. The house showing request, though it seemed routine, was part of a sinister plot. Authorities later revealed that Monique was lured into a trap that had been meticulously planned by criminals.
When Monique arrived at the property, she was abducted by two men who forced her into a U-Haul truck. What followed was a horrific series of events that ended in Monique’s violent death. The abduction and murder were carried out with cold precision, leaving law enforcement puzzled and searching for answers.
A Double Crime Scene
Monique’s murder was part of a broader violent incident that included another crime scene. That same afternoon Monique’s boyfriend, Jon Mitchell, was targeted in a shooting at their shared home. Armed men entered their home and opened fire in front of the couple’s children, injuring Mitchell but failing to take his life. Authorities quickly connected the two crimes, noting that they were not random acts of violence but part of an orchestrated attack.
The shooters were reportedly connected to a local gang, and Mitchell was believed to be the target of a retaliation plot, because a former business associate and known local drug dealer, Lyndon Akeem Wiggins, believed Mitchell snitched on him. Law enforcement theorized that Monique’s murder was an attempt to send a message, making her an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of gang rivalries.
The Investigation Begins
The investigation into Monique Baugh’s murder immediately took top priority for Minneapolis law enforcement. With the abduction occurring in broad daylight and involving a staged real estate showing, it became clear that the crime was premeditated and organized. Detectives began piecing together clues, examining surveillance footage, phone records, and witness statements.
They soon identified the U-Haul truck used in the abduction, which provided a critical lead. As they traced the movements of the truck, authorities discovered that Monique had been taken to an alley in the north side of Minneapolis, where she was brutally executed. She had been shot multiple times, and her body was discovered just hours after her abduction.
The Arrests and Criminal Charges
The case took a significant turn when three men were arrested in connection with the murder. Cedric Berry, 41, and Berry Davis, 42, both with known gang affiliations, were identified as key suspects. Lyndon Akeem Wiggins was the third man implicated in the plot. Each of the suspects faced multiple charges, including kidnapping, premeditated murder, and conspiracy.
The investigation revealed that Monique’s abduction and murder were part of a calculated plan involving gang activity and retaliation. According to court documents, the suspects were hired by a rival gang leader who had personal grievances with Monique’s boyfriend, Jon Mitchell. The motive behind the crime was a power struggle within the local gang hierarchy, making Monique’s death a tragic collateral consequence of that feud.
Court Proceedings and Convictions
The legal proceedings against those accused of Monique’s murder were closely followed by the Minneapolis community. The trial revealed disturbing details of the crime, including how Monique had been lured to the house under false pretenses and the extent to which the crime was planned. Prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence, including cell phone records, surveillance footage, and forensic analysis.
In October 2021, Cedric Berry and Berry Davis were convicted of first-degree premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Their convictions brought some measure of justice to Monique’s family, though the senselessness of her death continued to weigh heavily on all who knew her.
Elsa Segura’s Conviction Overturned and Plea Deal
In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Supreme Court overturned Elsa Segura’s conviction for her role in the murder of Monique Baugh, a Minneapolis real estate agent killed on New Year’s Eve 2019. Segura had originally been convicted of aiding in the kidnapping that led to Baugh’s execution-style murder. She was accused of luring Baugh to a phony house showing, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed.
Segura, a former Hennepin County probation officer, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors claimed that her involvement was critical to the plot, as she used her knowledge of the legal system and criminal networks to aid the gang members who ultimately killed Baugh. However, Segura’s defense team argued that her trial was flawed, focusing on errors in legal procedures and the way evidence was presented to the jury.
In 2023, the Minnesota Supreme Court overturned Segura’s conviction, citing issues related to the jury instructions and the admissibility of certain evidence. The ruling stated that the trial court had failed to properly instruct the jury on key legal distinctions, particularly concerning Segura’s intent and knowledge of the crime. This legal misstep opened the door for her conviction to be reconsidered, and the case was sent back to the lower courts.
Rather than face a new trial, Segura opted to enter a plea agreement. In this deal, she pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aiding and abetting kidnapping, significantly reducing her sentence. She accepted a 20-year prison term as part of the plea, avoiding the possibility of a retrial that could have resulted in a reinstatement of her life sentence. Segura’s case is one of the most contentious aspects of the Monique Baugh murder investigation, as her involvement remained a point of debate throughout the proceedings.
Lyndon Akeem Wiggins’ Conviction Overturned
Another key figure in the Monique Baugh murder case, Lyndon Akeem Wiggins, also saw his life sentence without parole overturned by the Minnesota Supreme Court. Wiggins had been convicted of playing a central role in the brutal plot to kill Baugh. He was accused of organizing the kidnapping and murder as part of a larger gang retaliation scheme, allegedly targeting Baugh’s boyfriend, Jon Mitchell, a local rapper with connections to the gang world.
Like Segura, Wiggins had been sentenced to life without parole, a conviction that initially seemed airtight due to extensive phone records, witness testimonies, and other forms of evidence linking him to the crime. However, Wiggins’ defense team challenged his conviction on several grounds, arguing that his rights had been violated during the trial process. They pointed to potential flaws in the jury selection process, concerns about the interpretation of phone data, and issues with the presentation of witness statements.
In 2023, the Minnesota Supreme Court reviewed Wiggins’ case and determined that errors had been made during the original trial, particularly regarding how evidence was handled and introduced. The court ruled that Wiggins had not received a fair trial, and his conviction was vacated. This decision sent shockwaves through the Minneapolis legal community, as Wiggins had been viewed as a central figure in the gang-related murder plot.
With his life sentence overturned, Wiggins now faces the possibility of a new trial. As of 2024, he is awaiting a court date to determine whether he will proceed with a plea deal or move forward with a retrial. The prosecution remains confident in its case against Wiggins, citing the extensive evidence gathered during the initial investigation, but the legal road ahead could present new challenges.
The Implications for the Case
The overturning of both Elsa Segura’s and Lyndon Akeem Wiggins’ convictions has reignited interest in the Monique Baugh murder case. For the family of Monique Baugh, these legal developments are bittersweet, as they bring renewed attention to the painful events of December 31, 2019. While Segura’s plea deal brings some resolution, Wiggins’ potential retrial keeps the case in a state of uncertainty.
These legal reversals also highlight the complexities of high-profile criminal cases, where procedural errors and legal technicalities can drastically alter the outcomes, even in cases involving violent crimes. The Minnesota Supreme Court’s rulings underscore the importance of ensuring fairness in the judicial process, even when the crimes in question are as heinous as those committed against Monique Baugh.
As Lyndon Akeem Wiggins’ case moves forward, all eyes will be on how the court system navigates this next phase. Whether he chooses to enter a plea or faces a new trial, the outcome will be pivotal in bringing a final sense of justice to the case. Meanwhile, Segura’s reduced sentence marks the end of her direct involvement in the case, though the community continues to grapple with the impact of her role.
These developments serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in handling cases that are both emotionally charged and legally intricate. For the Minneapolis community and Monique Baugh’s loved ones, the pursuit of justice remains a long and winding road, with many still hoping for closure.
The Impact on the Minneapolis Community
Monique’s murder had a profound impact on the Minneapolis community, especially within the real estate and business sectors. Real estate agents, who often work alone and meet clients in isolated locations, were particularly shaken by the fact that Monique was lured to her death under the guise of a legitimate business transaction. Her case underscored the dangers that professionals can face, and it prompted many to call for increased safety measures for those in the real estate industry.
Beyond the real estate community, the murder also highlighted the growing concerns over gang violence in the city. While Minneapolis has long struggled with gang-related crime, Monique’s murder brought attention to the devastating ripple effects these criminal networks can have, often ensnaring innocent people in their wake. For many residents, her death served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of violence.
Monique Baugh’s Legacy
In the aftermath of her murder, Monique’s family, friends, and colleagues worked to preserve her memory and legacy. Her two daughters were left without their mother, a tragedy that resonated deeply with the community. In the months following her death, fundraising efforts were organized to support her children and to ensure they had the resources needed to move forward in life.
Her story also inspired calls for greater awareness and action against gang violence in Minneapolis. Advocates pointed to the need for community-based initiatives that could disrupt cycles of violence and provide young people with alternatives to gang involvement. Monique’s death, though senseless, became a rallying point for those advocating for change in the city.
Lessons from the Case
The murder of Monique Baugh on New Year’s Eve 2019 serves as a stark reminder of how the lines between personal and professional lives can sometimes tragically blur. While she was a dedicated professional, Monique became a victim of a broader societal issue: gang violence. Her story is a heartbreaking example of how crime can infiltrate the most unsuspecting aspects of life, affecting people far removed from the streets where gang rivalries play out.
Monique’s case also illustrates the need for ongoing efforts to address criminal activity at its root, including providing support to communities plagued by violence. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Minneapolis, her murder stood as a dark chapter in an ongoing struggle against crime.
A Community’s Mourning and Call for Justice
As Minneapolis reflected on the events of New Year’s Eve 2019, the community continued to mourn Monique Baugh and the loss her family suffered. The outpouring of support for her children and calls for greater protections for professionals like Monique were a testament to her lasting impact.
The pursuit of justice for Monique Baugh did not end with the convictions of her killers. Her death is a constant reminder of the need for communities to band together, not only to grieve but also to prevent further tragedies. The murder of Monique Baugh may have begun as a targeted act of violence against her partner, but it has left an indelible mark on Minneapolis, showing the interconnectedness of crime, community, and the pursuit of safety for all.
