Richfield, MN – A 27-year-old Minnesota man, Jose Luis Lopez Xique, faces second-degree murder charges in the June 27, shooting death of 22-year-old Kayli Arseth, a beloved Richfield woman described as “bright, sassy, funny, and caring” in her obituary.
Prosecutors allege that Lopez Xique shot Arseth in the head at close range inside her apartment, a day after she rejected his romantic overtures on Snapchat.
The tragic incident, detailed in a Hennepin County criminal complaint, has shocked the community and highlighted the devastating consequences of targeted violence, leaving Arseth’s family and friends with profound loss.
How It Went Down
According to the criminal complaint, Lopez Xique and Arseth shared a platonic relationship, with Lopez Xique frequently buying her gifts during shopping trips. Despite his efforts to pursue a romantic connection, Arseth made it clear she was only interested in friendship.
Snapchat messages reviewed by investigators revealed Lopez Xique’s persistent requests for “actual dates” and more effort in their relationship, which Arseth rebuffed.
On June 16, at 2:55 p.m., Arseth messaged him, stating, “I did enjoy hanging out with you, but I don’t have enough mental capacity for any type of relationship right now. I’m trying to figure out myself and manage my relationship with my parents.”
Lopez Xique expressed confusion, replying, “I just want to be there for you. I feel like you’re just looking for something different.” Arseth reiterated that she wasn’t ready for a relationship, and Lopez Xique promised to “tone it back” and maintain a texting friendship.
However, phone location data places him at Arseth’s apartment building later that day, from 3:38 p.m. to 4:49 p.m., during which time prosecutors allege he committed the murder.
The Gruesome Discovery
When Arseth became unresponsive, concerned friends prompted a welfare check. Police, using a key from apartment management, entered her Richfield home and found a “gruesome scene.”
Arseth was face down in a pool of blood on her living room floor, with a gunshot wound through her right eye. A neighbor reported hearing an argument, including a male voice shouting, “How could you do this to me?” before the altercation ended around 4:47 p.m.
Phone data confirms Lopez Xique’s presence at the apartment, and records show he visited a hardware store shortly after, though the purpose remains unclear.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty condemned the killing as “a terrible instance of extreme, targeted violence” that robbed Arseth’s loved ones of a vibrant young woman who loved working with children.
“My thoughts are with her family during this extraordinarily difficult period,” Moriarty said. “Our office will prosecute Mr. Lopez Xique to protect our community and hold him accountable.”
Whispers From The Community
Arseth’s death has left Richfield reeling, with her obituary painting a picture of a compassionate woman whose loss is deeply felt. On X, tributes poured in alongside outrage. “Kayli deserved so much more than this tragedy,” one user wrote.
“No one should lose their life for saying no.” Another posted, “This is why we need to address toxic behavior before it turns deadly.” The case has ignited discussions about the dangers of unreciprocated romantic pursuit, echoing broader concerns about gender-based violence.
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The Legal Road Ahead
Lopez Xique, charged with second-degree murder, faces a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
The prosecution’s case hinges on Snapchat messages, phone location data, and witness accounts, which paint a chilling picture of a premeditated act driven by rejection. As the case proceeds in Hennepin County, Arseth’s family and community are left to mourn a life cut short, seeking justice in the face of unimaginable grief.
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