The tragic death of 19-year-old Livye Lewis shocked many when her lifeless body was found in her car in Hemphill, Texas, on October 31, 2020. She had been shot in the back of the head, and evidence suggested that the murder was likely committed by someone she knew.
The case has been covered in detail by CBS News on its true-crime show 48 Hours, which aired an episode titled “The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis.” This episode delves into the mystery surrounding Livye’s death and the investigation that followed. One of the key questions that remains is, Where is Killer Matthew Edgar now?, who was seen following Livye shortly before her death, became the prime suspect. His story and the investigation into the case revealed shocking details that left many wondering about his fate.
Who was Matthew Edgar and How Did He Kill Livye Lewis?
Matthew Edgar was from Hemphill, Texas, and had a history with Livye Lewis. The two were in a relationship, but by October 2020, their romantic connection had come to an end. Livye, a young woman studying to become a nurse, attended a Halloween party where she had an argument with Edgar. After the altercation, Livye left the party, and witnesses reported seeing Edgar follow her in his car. The next morning, the unthinkable happened. Livye’s car was discovered along a rural road, and inside, police found her dead, slumped over the steering wheel.
The investigation pointed to Matthew Edgar as the killer. He had no visible injuries, yet police found him lying in a fetal position behind the car, covered in blood. A rifle was discovered nearby. Edgar later claimed he had no memory of what happened, stating that the last thing he remembered was standing on someone’s porch. His bizarre behavior and conflicting statements raised suspicions, and it became clear that Edgar was involved in Livye’s murder, although the full story of what led to her death was still unraveling.
Arrest of Matthew Edgar in Livye Lewis Murder Case
After Livye’s body was found, the police began their investigation and quickly focused on Matthew Edgar. Although Edgar initially appeared at the scene in a confused state, his strange behavior and the evidence found around him led authorities to arrest him. During questioning, Edgar insisted that he had no memory of the events that transpired, claiming that he had no idea how he ended up at the murder scene. However, the evidence was clear: he was the last person seen with Livye before her death.
Police discovered a series of troubling messages that added to the case against Edgar. One of Livye’s friends texted him the morning after her death, asking about Livye’s whereabouts. Edgar replied with a chilling one-word response: “dead.” This message, along with the rifle found at the scene and Edgar’s position next to the car, pointed to his involvement in the murder. After his arrest, Edgar was charged with the murder of Livye Lewis. Despite his claims of memory loss, the evidence was too strong to ignore.
What Happened to Killer Matthew Edgar and Where is He Now?
Matthew Edgar’s arrest was just the beginning of a long and complicated legal process. The murder trial was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in March 2021, Edgar was officially indicted. His trial began in January 2022, and although he attended the first few days, he was absent on the fourth day of proceedings. It was later revealed that Edgar had removed the battery from his ankle monitor, making it impossible to track him. His disappearance sparked a manhunt.
In the end, Matthew Edgar was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. The motive behind the murder was believed to be linked to the unresolved issues between Edgar and Livye in their relationship. Edgar’s actions, including following her after a fight and his eventual murder of Livye, painted a picture of a man whose emotions spiraled into violence.
After his conviction, Edgar was declared a fugitive, and an intense search for him began. In December 2022, a tip led authorities to a home in Hemphill, where Edgar was found and arrested without resistance. As of January 2023, Matthew Edgar is serving his sentence at the TDCJ Ellis Unit in Texas, and while he will be eligible for parole in 2052, his maximum release date is set for 2121.
Must Read: Livye Lewis Murder: How Did She Die and Who Killed Her?
