On September 23, 2025, a Hennepin County jury found Margot Lewis guilty on two counts of second-degree murder in the death of Liara Tsai, a 35-year-old transgender DJ, crisis counselor, and community advocate.
The jury concluded that prosecutors had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Lewis intentionally caused Tsai’s death and also committed a second murder charge in connection with a felony. Courts also found aggravating sentencing factors in the case, which may result in a longer prison term than standard guidelines allow.
Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2025. She also faces separate charges in Olmsted County for concealing a body or interfering with a death scene tied to the crash in which Tsai’s body was discovered.
The Case in Brief
On June 22, 2024, law enforcement responded to a car crash along Interstate 90 in Olmsted County. The driver, Lewis, was reportedly found sitting in a lawn chair in the median. Inside the backseat of the vehicle, officers located Tsai’s body wrapped in bedding, a mattress, and a tarp.
The medical examiner determined that Tsai did not die in the crash. She had suffered a puncture wound to the neck and multiple sharp force injuries.
Investigators later searched Tsai’s Minneapolis apartment, where they discovered blood-soaked bedding and evidence of a violent struggle. A kitchen knife was reported missing. Court documents stated that Lewis had flown in from Boston to visit Tsai, and the two had been in a romantic relationship.
Tsai had moved to Minneapolis earlier in 2024 from Iowa City, seeking both a larger trans community and opportunities in music. In Minneapolis she quickly became a visible presence in queer nightlife as a DJ and producer, while also dedicating herself to volunteer work and crisis support.
RELATED: Liara Tsai Remembered for Her Life of Love, Music, and Advocacy
What the Verdict Means
For transgender and queer communities who cherished Tsai’s life and work, the verdict provides a measure of accountability, though it cannot replace her loss. Her legacy of music, advocacy, and compassion will remain a source of strength.
The case also highlights the ongoing reality that transgender individuals face disproportionate violence and often inadequate protection. While there has been no public determination of bias in this trial, advocates emphasize the importance of recognizing how systemic risks shape the lives of trans people.
As sentencing approaches, attention will remain on the court to ensure justice is fully served. For those who knew and loved Tsai, and for the wider trans community, this verdict is both a solemn closure and a reminder of the urgent need for continued vigilance against violence.
