Complaint Reveals Details in Death of Apple Valley Woman, Unborn Child

A 36-year-old Apple Valley man was charged in the death of his wife and the couple's unborn child.

According to Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom, Roger Holland was charged Monday with two counts of second degree intentional murder.

The woman, identified as Margorie Holland, was found by police Thursday morning, after they were called by her husband Roger Holland.

During his 911 call at about 9:57 a.m., Roger Holland said his wife was in cardiac arrest at the bottom of a flight of stairs.

Roger Holland told authorities he had left the home to purchase breakfast for himself and his wife.

When he returned, he said he found his wife face down on the floor, and wrapped in a blanket. He said she was non-responsive, so he began CPR before calling 911.

When officers arrived they noticed scratches on the left side of Roger Holland's face and neck.

Margorie Holland was taken to the hospital where she died at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday. She was about 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

According to Backstrom, Roger Holland had told police his relationship with his wife was good and that they did not have any financial problems.

He said they had been married for three years, and were members of the Texas National Guard.

According to the criminal complaint, when officers searched the couple's cell phones, they found deleted text messages that included arguments between the couple. The texts included concerns about the couple's financial situation.

In one text message conversation March 1, Roger Holland asked Margorie Holland how she was. She responded, "Like I hate my life, I hate the man I married, and I wish I could erase the past three years."

Officers found a text message exchange the night before Margorie Holland's death. In the texts she indicated she planned on divorcing Roger Holland.

According to the complaint, officers also found a data entry that may have been related to an Internet search on Wednesday. It had to do with falling down a flight of stairs and breaking your neck.

Medical crews and officers noticed numerous injuries on Margorie Holland's body 'including bruising and abrasions on her head, face, hands, legs, ankles and feet.'

The medical examiner who conducted an autopsy on Margorie Holland found that the thyroid cartilage in her neck was broken, which is consistent with strangulation.

Roger Holland was arrested and charged. He had no criminal history according to state records.

Roger Holland appeared in court Monday. His bond was set at $1 million without conditions, or $750,000 with conditions.

Roger Holland's next court appearance is set for March 13 at 11 a.m.

 

 

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