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In the early hours of Halloween 2020, Livye Lewis was tragically discovered lifeless in her car, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the neck. The haunting circumstances surrounding her death sent shockwaves through Hemphill, Texas, a small community where residents are seldom strangers to one another.
Livye was just 19 years old and had recently graduated high school with aspirations of becoming a physician’s assistant. Her mother, Darci Bass, remembered her as a dedicated student with a bright future ahead. Livye was not only a straight-A student but also worked as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home. Her compassionate nature made her beloved among the residents, showcasing her deep commitment to caring for others.
THE MURDER OF LIVYE LEWIS
Livye’s dream of pursuing a career in healthcare was cut short by her untimely death. In the days leading up to her murder, she was entangled in a complicated relationship with Matthew Edgar, a 23-year-old married man with children. Their relationship began with secrecy while Livye was still a high school senior and coincided with Edgar’s tumultuous marriage to Montana Bockel.
Initially, Livye communicated with Edgar clandestinely, expressing reservations about their relationship. Despite her efforts to distance herself, the relationship persisted, ultimately culminating in Livye’s tragic demise. Witnesses and friends described Livye as someone who sought stability and maturity, which may have explained her attraction to an older man.
As the relationship deepened, tensions emerged between Livye and Montana Bockel, who at one moment seemed to vie for Livye’s friendship despite their contentious history. Darci Bass attested to the complexity of the emotional landscape surrounding her daughter, acknowledging that what may have felt like friendly camaraderie could mask underlying jealousy and resentment.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE HOURS BEFORE LIVYE LEWIS WAS KILLED?
On the fateful morning that Livye was found dead, Edgar was reportedly hospitalized under mysterious circumstances. Investigators found discrepancies in his recollection of events, as he claimed to have no clear memory of the hours leading up to Livye’s death. He discovered he was at his friend Bobby Ozan’s house before he inexplicably ended up behind Livye’s car, where the gun that killed her was also found.
Evidence quickly mounted against Edgar. Following Livye’s murder, he allegedly sent numerous erratic texts to Bockel, filled with emotional outbursts, including threats. This culminated in a chilling message asserting that he was leaving to find Livye, followed by a shocking message confirming her death. Details revealed an escalating pattern of rage and jealousy in Edgar’s behavior during the preceding party, where Livye attended along with Bockel and others.
Witness accounts indicated that Edgar became increasingly agitated when he learned Livye planned to stay at Ozan’s house, intensifying existing tensions fueled by his unresolved feelings for Livye.
DAMNING EVIDENCE IN THE CASE AGAINST MATTHEW EDGAR
After Livye’s murder, investigators faced a race against time in piecing together the events of that ill-fated night. Text messages between Edgar and Bockel provided critical insight into his state of mind leading up to Livye’s tragic death. Edgar’s threatening comments prompted concerns about his capacity for violence, leaving investigators to grapple with the growing evidence against him.
Ultimately, a combination of incriminating messages, witness statements, and the discovery of Livye’s belongings at Edgar’s residence contributed to mounting evidence of his involvement in her homicide. Edgar’s behavior and past interactions with Livye constructed a troubling picture, leading investigators to focus their efforts on him as the primary suspect.
DEFENDANT MATTHEW EDGAR DISAPPEARS
As the case progressed toward trial, Edgar’s behavior grew erratic. He managed to evade law enforcement efforts and fled shortly before his trial was set to begin in January 2022. His disappearance raised alarm and led to intensive search efforts, reflecting the urgency of capturing a potentially dangerous individual.
Eventually, almost a year later, Edgar was apprehended following a tip-off regarding his whereabouts, leading to a dramatic police operation. In January 2023, he was found guilty of Livye’s murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years.
For Darci Bass and those who loved Livye, this outcome marked a bittersweet conclusion to a harrowing saga of grief, betrayal, and loss. Darci expressed her hope that Edgar would suffer for his actions, longing for a semblance of justice for the daughter she lost so tragically.
As the community remembers Livye, her spirit lives on through the mourning friends and family who champion her legacy and ensure she is remembered not for how she died, but for the vivacious life she led and the dreams she aspired to fulfill.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
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www.cbsnews.com