A Minnesota jury has convicted 27-year-old Jose Luis Lopez Xique of murdering 22-year-old Kayli Arseth inside her Richfield apartment in June 2025. The verdict, announced by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on October 9, 2026, marks the conclusion of a high-profile trial centered around a fatal act of violence fueled by romantic rejection.
Following the jury’s decision, Lopez Xique was found guilty on multiple counts, including first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree intentional murder, and harassment using a dangerous weapon. Because of the first-degree murder conviction, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. His formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Hennepin County District Court.
The Details of the Investigation and Rejection Killing
According to court documents and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Lopez Xique and Arseth had met online and developed a casual friendship. Over time, Lopez Xique began purchasing gifts for Arseth and pushed for a deeper romantic relationship. However, Arseth consistently made it clear that she only viewed him as a friend.
The situation escalated in mid-June 2025. On June 16, Arseth sent a direct message to Lopez Xique via Snapchat explaining that she did not have the mental capacity for a relationship and wanted to focus on herself and her family. Cellphone location records and neighbor testimonies later established that Lopez Xique arrived at Arseth’s apartment building shortly after the exchange.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud argument inside Arseth’s apartment, with a man shouting, “How could you do this to me?” Investigators later determined that Lopez Xique shot Arseth in the head at close range through her right eye before fleeing the scene. Arseth’s body was discovered the following day after she failed to show up for work and stopped responding to messages.
Remembering Kayli Arseth
During statements announcing the verdict, Mary Moriarty highlighted Arseth’s vibrant personality and dedication to helping others. Arseth worked as a behavioral technician supporting children with special needs and spent her personal time pursuing creative hobbies like art and music, as well as restoring her motorcycle.
“This was a horrifying instance of a ‘rejection killing’ where Mr. Lopez Xique refused to accept that Kayli did not want a relationship,” Moriarty stated. “She should still be with her family and her loved ones.”
Legal Repercussions and Next Steps
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on digital footprints, including Snapchat message logs, surveillance footage, and precise cellphone location data placing Lopez Xique at the 7700 block of Penn Avenue South during the timeframe of the murder. Evidence recovered by police indicated that the attack was premeditated, as Lopez Xique had acquired items such as gloves and masking tape prior to entering the victim’s home.
With the jury returning a guilty verdict across all counts, the mandatory life sentence without parole ensures that Lopez Xique will remain behind bars for the remainder of his life, bringing a measure of judicial closure to Arseth’s grieving family and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jose Luis Lopez Xique?
Jose Luis Lopez Xique is a 27-year-old Minnesota man convicted of the premeditated first-degree murder of 22-year-old Kayli Arseth.
What crime was Lopez Xique convicted of?
A Hennepin County jury found him guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree intentional murder, and harassment using a dangerous weapon.
What is the sentence for first-degree murder in Minnesota?
Under Minnesota law, a conviction for first-degree premeditated murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
When is the formal sentencing hearing?
The formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 11 a.m.
What was the motive behind the killing?
Prosecutors described the crime as a “rejection killing,” noting that Lopez Xique targeted Arseth after she explicitly rejected his requests for a romantic relationship.
