On Halloween 2020, Livye Lewis, a bright and aspiring 19-year-old nursing assistant, was discovered dead with a rifle wound to her neck in a car on the side of a road in Hemphill, Texas. The circumstances surrounding her death reveal a disturbing mix of jealousy, manipulation, and heartbreak, primarily involving her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Edgar.

Prior to her death, Livye attended a pre-Halloween party where tensions escalated. Just before the shooting, Edgar, who had a tumultuous relationship with Livye and a complicated connection with his ex-wife, Montana Bockel, exhibited aggressive and erratic behavior. According to party host Bobby Ozan, Edgar became furious upon learning that Livye intended to stay with him, reportedly threatening Bockel in a fit of rage. A flurry of threatening text messages from Edgar escalated this toxic dynamic.

As investigators pieced together the hours leading to Livye's demise, a chilling timeline emerged. By 3 a.m., Edgar texted Bockel to inform her that Livye was "dead," a message that would later come back to haunt him. Witnesses reported that Livye appeared at ease shortly before the gunshot, suggesting she may have felt safe speaking with Edgar, suggesting a complex web of feelings, trust, and fear.

After the fatal incident, Edgar claimed amnesia, stating he had consumed significant amounts of alcohol and was unaware of how he had ended up at the scene. However, forensic evidence linked him directly to the crime; a blood sample on his clothing matched Livye's DNA, further solidifying the case against him. Following a dramatic escape from a murder trial, Edgar was captured nearly a year after the murder and subsequently convicted. On January 3, 2023, Edgar received a 99-year prison sentence, with potential parole after 30 years, bringing some sense of closure to Darci Bass, Livye’s mother, who had continuously advocated for justice.

The haunting details of Livye's short life and tragic end sparked discussions about domestic violence, relationships, and the impacts of jealousy. Livye, remembered for her passion for nursing and love for her community, left behind a legacy that serves as a reminder of the consequences of toxic relationships. Her mother hopes to raise awareness about domestic violence, encouraging anyone affected to reach out for help. For those in need of support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233.

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