The Unsolved Murder of Livye Lewis: A Halloween Tragedy in Hemphill, Texas
In the quiet town of Hemphill, Texas, a community of just over 1,000 people was forever changed on Halloween morning 2020. Nineteen-year-old Libby Lewis was found slumped over the steering wheel of her car, victim of a fatal rifle shot to the neck. The discovery sent shockwaves through the close-knit community where everyone knew each other and news traveled quickly.
Libby was described by many as exceptional - a straight-A student with a nursing certification and college scholarship. Her caring nature had led her to work at a local nursing home where she was beloved by residents. However, her personal life had become complicated through her relationship with Matthew Edgar, a 23-year-old married father of two. Their relationship, which began secretly while Libby was still in high school, would eventually become entangled in a complex dynamic involving Matthew's ex-wife Montana, creating what some close to the situation described as a dangerous love triangle.
Key Takeaways
Libby Lewis, a promising 19-year-old nursing assistant with college aspirations, was found dead from a rifle shot on Halloween morning 2020.
The small town of Hemphill, Texas was shattered by the tragedy that claimed a young woman known for her kindness and academic excellence.
Libby's relationship with Matthew Edgar had evolved into a complex situation involving his ex-wife, creating tensions that preceded the tragic events.
Tragic Find
Discovery of Libby Lewis's Body
At approximately 6:00 AM on Halloween morning 2020, two passersby discovered a vehicle with a young woman slumped over the steering wheel. One of the individuals approached the car, noticing the door was already open, and attempted to wake the unresponsive woman. After receiving no response and realizing the severity of the situation, they immediately called 911 to report finding a deceased person.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and identified the victim as 19-year-old Libby Lewis through her identification. Libby, a recent high school graduate with a nursing scholarship, had been shot in the neck. The discovery sent shockwaves through Hemphill, Texas—a small town of just over 1,000 residents where news travels quickly.
Scene Examination Details
When authorities arrived, they found Matthew Edgar in a fetal position behind Libby's vehicle. A rifle, shoes, and a hat were discovered on the ground near where Edgar was found. Blood covered Edgar's face, though hospital reports later confirmed he had no injuries that could explain the blood.
The crime scene presented several troubling elements. Edgar claimed no knowledge of how he ended up on the ground behind the vehicle containing Libby's body. He stated his last memory was drinking on his porch before waking up in an ambulance. When informed about Libby's death, investigators noted Edgar displayed what appeared to be forced crying without producing actual tears.
Law enforcement officials later reported some investigative challenges with the case, including:
No fingerprints taken from the gun
No DNA evidence collected from the weapon
DNA samples indicating another male's presence
Despite these issues, Sheriff's Investigator JP McDon stated unequivocally: "I have no doubt and I'm going to make this perfectly clear—Matthew Edgar killed Miss Lewis," putting his professional reputation behind this assertion.
Family Response
Mother's Emotional Response
Darcy Bass learned about her daughter through a devastating phone call from a friend informing her that Libby had been shot. "I didn't know if she was dead or alive," Darcy recalls. The uncertainty was unbearable as she desperately sought information about her child's condition.
When Darcy arrived at the scene, her questions were met with the heartbreaking reality. Despite her pleas to see Libby, she was told her daughter was in a police vehicle nearby. The confirmation of Libby's death was devastating. "The next time I saw her, she was in a casket," Darcy shares, the pain evident in her words.
Notification to Darcy Bass
The notification process was informal and traumatic. Rather than receiving official notification from authorities, Darcy learned about the tragedy through community channels. In a small town of just over 1,000 people like Hemphill, news travels quickly.
The informal identification at the scene—"Isn't that Darcy Bass's daughter?"—preceded any official notification from dispatch. This casual identification method amplified the trauma for Darcy, who had to process the information without proper support from authorities.
When Darcy arrived at the scene, she was initially kept from knowing Libby's status. Her repeated questions—"Where is my child?"—were eventually answered with the devastating news that Libby was deceased in a nearby police vehicle. The shocking delivery of this news left Darcy in disbelief, crying out, "I don't believe it."
Libby Lewis's Background
Libby Lewis was known as an exceptional young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Those who knew her described her as kind-hearted and selfless, traits that shaped her personal and professional aspirations. At just 19 years old, she had already made significant strides toward her career goals while touching the lives of those around her.
Nursing Dedication and Personal Qualities
Libby demonstrated exceptional character from an early age. She maintained straight A's throughout her academic career and was widely regarded as kind and loving by those who knew her. Her natural inclination to care for others led her toward a career in nursing. As a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home, she revealed her compassionate nature and dedication to helping others. Friends and family noted that Libby was remarkably mature for her age, displaying a level of responsibility and focus that set her apart from her peers.
Academic Achievements and Future Plans
After graduating high school with honors, Libby secured a scholarship to attend a local college. Her educational path was clearly defined - she intended to complete her nursing degree and eventually become a physician's assistant. In her own words from personal statements, Libby expressed excitement about her future goals and the path she had set for herself. Despite having opportunities to move to campus for college, Libby initially remained in her hometown during the summer of 2020, delaying the next chapter of her academic journey.
Connections with Nursing Home Residents
Libby thrived in her role at the local nursing home, where she worked as a certified nursing assistant. The residents adored her, and she reciprocated that affection through dedicated care. Her colleagues noted that despite the challenging nature of nursing assistant work, Libby approached her responsibilities with enthusiasm and genuine compassion. It was at this nursing home where she formed a strong friendship with fellow nursing assistant Taylor Barnett, who was nearly six years her senior. Despite their age difference, they developed an immediate connection, with Libby often staying at Taylor's home and forming a bond with Taylor's young daughter as well.
Investigation
Matthew Edgar's First Statement
After Livy Lewis was found deceased in her vehicle, Matthew Edgar was discovered on the ground behind the car in a fetal position. Sheriff's investigator JP McDon interviewed Matthew at the hospital where he claimed to have "no clue" why he was there. When questioned about his relationship with Livy, Matthew acknowledged she was his ex-girlfriend. His account of the events leading to Livy's death was notably vague - he stated he remembered drinking on his porch but claimed the next thing he recalled was waking up in an ambulance.
Matthew appeared unable to explain how he ended up behind Livy's car or account for the blood covering his face, especially when hospital staff confirmed he had no injuries. His personal items - a rifle, shoes, and a hat - were found on the ground near where he was lying.
Inconsistencies in Matthew's Account
When informed about Livy's death, Matthew's reaction raised suspicions. The investigator described Matthew's behavior as "forced crying" without any actual tears. This seemingly performative grief contrasted with his claimed memory loss about the circumstances.
Matthew's statements about his relationships also contained notable contradictions. He described his connections with both Livy and his ex-wife Montana as "awesome," claiming they were "big buddies." This portrayal conflicted significantly with evidence from phone records and witness accounts that revealed a much more complex and troubled dynamic between the three.
Text messages revealed a relationship marked by volatility, with Livy explicitly referencing physical abuse: "I don't know why you keep putting your hands on me like that. My body hurt today." Despite Matthew's characterization of harmony, multiple witnesses described his behavior toward Livy as controlling and abusive.
Forensic Evidence
The investigation faced significant challenges due to apparent procedural oversights. Investigators failed to collect fingerprints or DNA samples from the rifle found at the scene. This critical omission created evidentiary gaps in establishing who handled the weapon.
DNA analysis revealed unexpected findings, including the presence of genetic material from another unidentified male in samples collected from Livy. This discovery introduced additional questions about potential third-party involvement in the events leading to her death.
Despite these investigative shortcomings, authorities remained confident in Matthew's culpability. One investigator emphatically stated: "I have no doubt and I'm going to make this perfectly clear - Matthew Edgar killed Miss Lewis," even placing his professional reputation behind this conclusion.
Character Profiles
Matthew Edgar's Personal History
Matthew Edgar, a 23-year-old local resident, had a complex personal life before the events of Halloween 2020. He was previously married to Montana Bokel, with whom he had two young sons. Text records reveal a pattern of infidelity during his marriage, as he openly admitted to cheating multiple times. His relationship history shows concerning behaviors, particularly in how he pursued relationships while still married.
Matthew's communication style exhibited manipulative tendencies. When initiating contact with Libby in November 2019, he warned her not to tell anyone they were texting. After his marriage ended in early 2020, he quickly reconnected with Libby, who was just 18 at the time.
During police questioning, Matthew provided inconsistent statements about the night of the incident. He claimed to have "no clue" about what happened, stating he only remembered drinking on his porch before waking up in an ambulance. Investigators noted he displayed what appeared to be forced crying without actual tears when informed of Libby's death.
Libby Lewis' Notable Characteristics
Libby Lewis was an exceptional young woman with remarkable achievements and aspirations. At just 19, she had already established herself as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home, where residents adored her compassionate care. Her academic record was stellar—she maintained straight A's through high school and earned a scholarship to attend college.
Career Goals:
Become a nurse
Advance to physician's assistant
Continue helping people in healthcare
Her friends described her as mature beyond her years, seeking stability rather than engaging in typical teenage activities. Bailey Williams, who knew Libby since kindergarten, noted she "was ready to be grown up." This maturity likely influenced her attraction to older individuals, including Matthew.
Despite her youth, Libby demonstrated strong principles. When Matthew initially pursued her while still married, she responded firmly: "I'm not really down for being a home wrecker." This shows her moral clarity even in complicated situations.
Witness Accounts
Taylor Barnett, Libby's coworker and close friend, provided crucial insights into Libby's relationship with Matthew. Despite being nearly six years older than Libby, Taylor formed a tight bond with her, saying they "clicked automatically." Taylor witnessed concerning behaviors from Matthew, describing him as "abusive in more ways than one" and noting that he would "get drunk and crazy" to the point where Taylor banned him from her home.
Text messages recovered from Libby's phone corroborate Taylor's observations, with one message from Libby stating: "I don't know why you keep putting your hands on me like that. My body hurt today."
First responders at the scene provided detailed accounts of discovering Libby in her vehicle. One witness approached the car thinking she might be "just slumped over" or intoxicated, but upon shaking her and receiving no response, immediately called 911.
Sheriff's investigator JP McDon documented Matthew's condition at the hospital, noting blood on Matthew's face despite having no visible injuries. Key evidence at the scene included:
A rifle near the vehicle
Matthew's boots and hat on the ground
Matthew found in fetal position behind Libby's car
These testimonies reveal critical inconsistencies in Matthew's account of events and paint a troubling picture of his relationship with Libby in the months leading up to Halloween 2020.
Relationship Dynamics
Past Connection Between Libby and Matthew
Libby Lewis and Matthew Edgar began their relationship while she was still in high school. Their connection started secretly through text messages in November 2019, as Matthew was married to Montana Bokel at the time. Matthew warned Libby not to tell anyone about their communications.
The initial affair was brief, with Libby quickly ending things, clearly stating she wasn't interested in being a "home wrecker." Despite her decision, Matthew continued to express his unhappiness in his marriage.
By March 2020, Matthew had ended his marriage, texting his wife that he had been unfaithful. Four days later, Montana hired a divorce attorney, and Matthew moved out, immediately reconnecting with Libby.
Interactions Between Libby and Montana
The relationship between Libby and Montana evolved in unexpected ways. Initially, the two women didn't get along, with apparent jealousy from Montana about Libby's relationship with her ex-husband.
Surprisingly, the dynamic changed dramatically - Montana suddenly seemed eager to befriend Libby. According to friends, they began talking frequently, with Libby believing she had gained a genuine friend in Matthew's ex-wife.
Friends were concerned about this sudden shift, suspecting Montana's intentions weren't genuine. One friend warned Libby to be cautious about becoming too close with Montana, suggesting she maintain distance while remaining cordial for the sake of Matthew's children.
Development of Complex Emotional Entanglements
The situation between the three individuals became increasingly complicated and potentially dangerous. Friends described it as a "dangerous love triangle" where motivations weren't always clear.
Matthew's behavior toward Libby grew troubling as their relationship progressed. Text messages revealed allegations of physical abuse, with Libby writing: "I don't know why you keep putting your hands on me like that. My body hurt today."
Friends observed that despite recognizing Matthew's mistreatment, Libby remained in the relationship. As one person noted, "She was in love with who Matthew could be, because she knew who he was and knew that what he was doing to her wasn't right, but she still stayed."
Implications of the Evidence
Physical Evidence Issues on the Weapon
The investigation into Livy Lewis's death revealed significant gaps regarding the murder weapon. Investigators failed to collect fingerprints or DNA from the rifle found at the scene. This oversight represents a critical flaw in the evidence chain, potentially compromising the prosecution's ability to definitively link the weapon to any specific individual. The absence of forensic testing on the primary murder weapon creates reasonable doubt about who actually handled the firearm during the commission of the crime.
Other DNA Evidence Present
Forensic analysis uncovered unexpected findings that complicate the case narrative. DNA samples collected from Livy contained genetic material from another male individual besides Matthew Edgar. This discovery suggests another person's involvement or presence around the time of her death. This evidence contradicts the single-perpetrator theory and introduces alternative possibilities about who might have been with Livy in her final hours.
Investigator's Conviction Regarding Guilt
Despite the evidentiary gaps, the lead investigator expressed absolute certainty about Matthew Edgar's guilt. When directly questioned about the possibility of someone else pulling the trigger, the investigator stated, "I have no doubt and I'm going to make this perfectly clear Matthew Edgar killed Miss Lewis." The investigator further committed professional reputation to this conclusion, answering "absolutely" when asked if their reputation stood behind the accusation. This unwavering stance persists despite the forensic inconsistencies and missing evidence that might suggest other possibilities.
Community Engagement
Hemphill's Response to the Tragedy
Hemphill, Texas, a small town with just over 1,000 residents, experienced profound shock when 19-year-old Livy Lewis was found deceased on Halloween morning 2020. In tight-knit communities like Hemphill, information travels quickly. One resident noted, "Isn't that Darcy Bass's daughter?" - a comment that reflected how interconnected the townspeople were.
The discovery deeply affected the community. First responders arrived at the scene to find Livy slumped over her steering wheel, victim of a fatal rifle shot to the neck. Two good Samaritans had initially stopped to check on what they thought might be someone who was simply unconscious. "I shook her," one witness recalled, "and that's when I called 911."
The town rallied around Livy's mother, Darcy Bass, who learned about her daughter's death through a friend's call. The community remembered Livy as an exceptional young woman - a straight-A student who had earned a scholarship to a local college. She worked as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home where residents adored her. Her career path reflected her caring nature and passion for helping others.
Livy's relationships with her best friends Taylor Barnett and Bailey Williams showed her maturity. Bailey, who had known Livy since kindergarten, noted that Livy "was a person that wanted stability and didn't want to play like the kid games." This maturity might explain why she became involved with Matthew Edgar, who was several years her senior and had a complicated personal life including two children and a marriage that ended during their relationship.
The community's concern grew when details emerged about Matthew's behavior and the complex dynamics between him, Livy, and his ex-wife Montana. Friends like Taylor described Matthew as "abusive in more ways than one," painting a picture of a troubled relationship that worried those close to Livy.
Libby's Future Aspirations and Path Forward
Career Goals in Medicine
Libby possessed remarkable ambitions in the healthcare field. As a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home, she had already established a foundation for her medical career. Her scholarship to a local college was just the beginning of her journey. In a personal statement, she once wrote, "Just imagining my future and the goals that I will accomplish makes me excited."
Her ultimate aim was to progress from nursing school to becoming a physician's assistant. This career path aligned perfectly with her compassionate nature and desire to care for others. The residents at the nursing home where she worked deeply appreciated her dedicated care.
Recollections from Close Friends
Those who knew Libby describe her as exceptional in many ways. Taylor Barnett, a colleague at the nursing home who was nearly six years older, formed an immediate connection with Libby. "We just clicked like automatically," Taylor recalled about their friendship.
Bailey Williams, who had known Libby since kindergarten, remembered her as mature beyond her years:
"She was a person that wanted stability"
"She didn't want to play like the kid games"
"She was ready to be grown up"
Her friends consistently highlighted her kindness and selflessness. These qualities made her especially suited for her chosen career in healthcare, where her natural tendency to take care of others shined.
Matthew's Influence on Her Life Trajectory
Libby's relationship with Matthew Edgar significantly impacted her life course. At just 18, she found herself navigating a complex relationship with a 23-year-old man who had two young sons and was going through a divorce.
The relationship showed troubling patterns:
Text messages revealed Matthew's initial insistence on secrecy
Friends reported witnessing concerning behaviors
Taylor noted that Matthew "was pretty much abusive in more ways than one"
Despite planning to move to her college campus to pursue her education, Libby's relationship with Matthew appeared to create complications in her path forward. Text messages between them demonstrated both moments of affection and serious allegations of physical mistreatment, revealing the turbulent nature of their connection and its potential influence on her future plans.
