A Minnesota court has sentenced 27-year-old Jose Luis Lopez Xique to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the June 2025 murder of 22-year-old Kayli Arseth. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced the sentence following a jury trial that resulted in convictions for first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree intentional murder, and harassment involving aggravated violations with a dangerous weapon.
Investigators and prosecutors labeled the crime a “rejection killing,” describing it as a severe manifestation of gender-based violence rooted in misogyny. According to court documents and statements from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, the fatal shooting occurred after Arseth rejected Lopez Xique’s romantic advances, stating she was only interested in maintaining a platonic friendship. The two had initially met through a dating application.
Investigation and Evidence Timeline
The case unfolded on June 17, 2025, when Richfield police conducted a welfare check at Arseth’s apartment after she failed to arrive for work. Authorities discovered her body inside the residence with a gunshot wound to the head, and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner officially ruled her death a homicide.
Investigators found no signs of forced entry at the apartment, but cell phone tracking data and neighborhood accounts quickly zeroed in on Lopez Xique. Digital evidence placed him inside Arseth’s apartment on the afternoon of June 16, 2025, during a time frame when a neighbor reported hearing an argument. Further tracking led law enforcement to a West Bloomington location where they recovered discarded items, including 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, blue disposable gloves, clothing, and other materials linked to the suspect.
Impact and Community Response
During the legal proceedings, family members testified that Lopez Xique had been stalking not only Arseth but also her parents and siblings in the days leading up to the homicide. Following the sentencing hearing, Arseth’s oldest sister, Heather Arseth, addressed the court and the public, emphasizing the need for legal reforms surrounding harassment and stalking.
“My sister Kayli spoke kindly and clearly to tell him that she did not want to be in a romantic relationship with him,” Heather Arseth said. “However, in an act of revenge, he took her life from her.”
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty highlighted the distinct nature of rejection killings compared to standard domestic violence cases, emphasizing that they stem from an individual’s sense of entitlement to a woman’s body and autonomy. Moriarty noted that a first-degree murder conviction mandates a life sentence without the possibility of parole under Minnesota law.
Support Resources for Victims
Advocacy groups and local officials have reiterated the importance of public awareness regarding stalking and gender-based violence. Individuals experiencing harassment, stalking, or abuse can access confidential assistance through several designated channels:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
- Minnesota Day One Crisis Line: Call 1-866-223-1111 for shelter and support services.
- Standpoint (Legal Advocacy): Call 1-612-343-9842 or 1-800-313-2666 for legal advice regarding harassment and domestic violence.
- Violence Free Minnesota: Call 1-651-646-6177 for advocacy and community resources.
