Join Peter Van Sant, a seasoned correspondent, and Judy Rybak, an insightful producer, as they dissect the tumultuous case of Livye Lewis. They delve into the chilling specifics of the murder and the shocking flight of her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Edgar, during his trial. The discussion reveals harrowing insights about the emotional toll on Livye's family and the complications faced by law enforcement in a small town. The uncovering of mysterious blood evidence and the ongoing case against Edgar’s mother add layers to a deeply troubling narrative.
The shock of Livvy Lewis's murder highlighted the community's underestimation of domestic violence, revealing systemic issues in recognizing such threats.
Matthew Edgar's prolonged evasion from justice after fleeing his trial underscores the challenges law enforcement faced in managing a homicide investigation.
Deep dives
The Tragic Murder of Livvy Lewis
Livvy Lewis was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Edgar, after an altercation during a party in the small town of Hemp Hill, Texas. The once tight-knit community, where most people knew each other, was thrown into shock as they initially believed Livvy's death was due to a car accident, a common fate among young locals. The relationship between Livvy and Matthew was marked by previous incidents of violence, yet a lack of awareness of the severity of the situation led friends and family to underestimate the potential for extreme outcomes. Livvy's mother faced the heartbreaking reality of her daughter's death while feeling neglected by law enforcement, who failed to promptly inform her of the tragedy.
Investigation Challenges and High-Speed Chases
The investigation into Livvy's murder faced significant challenges, notably due to the town's inexperience with homicides and the chaotic nature surrounding the initial response. Matthew Edgar's prior criminal history included high-speed chases, showcasing a pattern of reckless behavior that escalated alarmingly. Despite this, local authorities were unprepared for a murder case and had to call in state reinforcements to manage the situation effectively. The profound emotional impact was evident, especially through Livvy's mother, who was left devastated by both her daughter's loss and the inadequacies of the law enforcement's handling of the tragedy.
Fleeing Justice and Questions of Guilt
During the murder trial, Edgar fled when his ankle monitor's battery died, leading to a year-long manhunt which further complicated the case. Despite being on the run, he was found guilty of murder, yet the jury was not informed of his escape, raising questions about the trial's integrity. Investigators uncovered perplexing details, such as unidentified blood found on Edgar, which did not match either him or Livvy, adding layers of mystery to the case. Ultimately, Edgar was sentenced to 99 years in prison, leaving his family and the community wrestling with the consequences of his actions and the enduring impact of Livvy's loss.
Join 48 Hours Correspondent Peter Van Sant and Producer Judy Rybak for a behind-the-scenes look at the case of Livye Lewis, whose ex-boyfriend, Matthew Edgar, fled during his murder trial and evaded authorities for nearly a year. The team discusses the unidentified blood found on Edgar’s face, reporting in small town Texas, and the ongoing case against Edgar’s mother for hindering apprehension.