Jealousy, Texts and a Tiny Bloodstain: The Murder of 19‑Year‑Old Livye Lewis

In the early hours of Halloween 2020, 19‑year‑old Livye Lewis was found slumped over the steering wheel of her car in Hemphill, Texas, the victim of a fatal rifle wound to the neck. The small East Texas town was shaken by the killing of a promising young woman whose friends and family remembered her as responsible, caring and determined to pursue a career in health care.

Background

Livye had just graduated high school with a scholarship to a nearby college and worked as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home. Friends described her as mature beyond her years and committed to helping others. Her mother, Darci Bass, said Livye planned to become a nurse and later a physician assistant.

The Relationship That Turned Violent

While still a senior, Livye began a secret relationship with 23‑year‑old Matthew Edgar, who at the time was married to Montana Bockel and father to two young sons. Phone records and text messages show a volatile relationship full of secrecy, jealousy and allegations of physical abuse. Livye’s friends and relatives reported that Edgar could be controlling and, at times, violent; one cousin produced a photograph she said showed Livye with a broken nose.

The Night of the Killing

Investigators say Edgar spent the night before the murder drinking heavily. Witnesses described an increasingly agitated Edgar at a party; according to investigators and witnesses, he threatened and assaulted people there and later sent a series of incendiary texts. At 3:22 a.m. the night Livye died, Edgar texted, "I'm leaving better get here and get your kids." Roughly 12 minutes later he messaged, "I'm home. I got Livye's keys and her phone." When asked where Livye was, he reportedly replied, "Dead."

Officers found Livye in her car and Edgar nearby. A rifle was recovered close to where he was found. Sheriff’s Investigator J.P. MacDonough and other law enforcement officials gathered evidence at the scene, including swabs of blood from Edgar’s face and his clothing.

Forensic Evidence and Investigative Findings

Prosecutors presented forensic evidence tying Edgar to the scene: lab testing identified a small speck of Livye’s blood on the pants Edgar wore when officers found him. Investigators also cited the threatening texts and other circumstantial evidence. Investigators described jealousy as the likely motive for the killing.

Some contested details complicated the probe. Defense attorneys noted other DNA findings that excluded Livye from some samples and argued that a tiny trace of blood could have been transferred innocently. Montana Bockel failed a polygraph about her role in the aftermath, though multi‑agency investigators later concluded she was not at the crime scene and had not participated in the killing or a coverup.

Flight, Capture and Conviction

A grand jury indicted Edgar in March 2021, but when his trial approached in January 2022 he removed his ankle monitor after its battery died and fled. He remained a fugitive for about 11 months while a large manhunt involving local, state and federal authorities pursued leads. Edgar was eventually located hiding near his grandparents' property and arrested without incident.

Edgar was tried, convicted of murder and on Jan. 3, 2023 was sentenced to 99 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Edgar's mother, Cindy Hogan, was charged with hindering apprehension and is awaiting trial; investigators say they considered and rejected alternative theories, including a claim advanced by Hogan that a drug cartel was responsible.

Aftermath and Remembrance

Livye’s family and friends have worked to keep her memory alive. Her mother maintains a memorial at the site where Livye died and is raising money for a headstone. Friends say they want Livye remembered for her compassion and ambition, not only as a murder victim.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑7233.

Matthew Edgar was a 23-year-old married father of two when he met high school senior Livye Lewis. / Credit: Livye Lewis/Facebook

Livye Lewis, left, and Montana Bockel. / Credit: Sabine County Sheriff's Office

Livye Lewis sent her cousin this image of her injury following an altercation with Matthew Edgar. / Credit: Sydney Ebarb

Matthew Edgar, seen in an image from bodycam video, is questioned from his hospital bed by a Sabine County sheriff's investigator about what happened on Oct. 31, 2020. / Credit: Sabine County Sheriff's Office

Matthew Edgar / Credit: Sabine County Sheriff's Office

Montana Bockel and Livye Lewis at the party on Oct. 30, 2020. The image is one of the last photos taken of Livye. / Credit: Sabine County Sheriff's Office

Matthew Edgar and Livye Lewis. / Credit: Sabine County Sheriff's Office

Livye Lewis was found shot dead inside her vehicle (foreground). A pickup truck belonging to Matthew Edgar's cousin is behind Livye's car. Matthew Edgar was found on the ground behind Livye's car. / Credit: Sabine County Sheriff's Office

Free on bail, Matthew Edgar leaves the Sabine County Courthouse with his mother Cindy Hogan during his trial for the murder of Livye Lewis. / Credit: Sabine County Reporter

With Matthew Edgar on the run, Darci Bass put up wanted posters in hopes of finding her daughter's killer. / Credit: Darci Bass

Darci Bass at a memorial at the site where her daughter was murdered. / Credit: CBS News

On Dec. 29, 2022 – nearly a year after fleeing -- U.S. Marshals along with the Sabine County Sheriff's Office and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, found and arrested Matthew Edgar. / Credit: Sabine County Sheriff's Office

Livye Lewis / Credit: Wandering Rose Photography