A tragic case of alleged domestic violence has come to light in Minnesota, as new details emerge in the murder of Liara Tsai, a 35-year-old DJ and activist. Margot Lewis, Tsai’s ex-partner, now faces two charges of second-degree murder following a bizarre series of events that began with a car crash.
The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle accident last Saturday, where they found Lewis being assisted by a Good Samaritan. However, the situation took a horrific turn when deputies discovered Tsai’s body inside the vehicle, wrapped in bedding and covered with a tarp.
According to the criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County, the victim’s body showed signs of “multiple sharp force injuries” to the neck and hands, with a “gaping puncture wound” to the neck. The medical examiner ruled Tsai’s death a homicide, determining that she had not died as a result of the crash.
The investigation led authorities to Tsai’s Minneapolis apartment, where they discovered a gruesome scene. The victim’s bed was reportedly “saturated with blood,” and a bloody plastic and metal object was found. Notably, a single steak knife was missing from the kitchen.
Surveillance footage has become crucial evidence in the case. Video allegedly shows Tsai’s vehicle picking up Lewis at the Minneapolis airport, corresponding with Lewis’ planned visit from June 21 to June 29. Additional footage captured the victim’s car leaving her garage early Saturday morning, with the driver matching Lewis’ description.
Lewis’ behavior following her arrest has raised eyebrows. The complaint states that she has taken a “vow of silence” and prefers to communicate with sign language. She reportedly became uncooperative during evidence collection, at one point becoming combative with officers.
This case has shocked the community, with many struggling to comprehend the violent end to what Tsai’s former spouse described as a “sordid and emotionally challenging” relationship between the victim and the suspect.
As the legal proceedings unfold, with Lewis’ bail set at $1.5 million, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in volatile relationships and the importance of recognizing signs of domestic abuse. The loss of Liara Tsai, remembered as a talented DJ and dedicated activist, has left a void in her community and raised questions about how such violence can be prevented in the future.
