“The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis”: 48 Hours Reports January 4 2025

CBS’s 48 Hours dives into a chilling story this Saturday, January 4, 2024, with “The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis.” The episode examines the tragic events surrounding the death of 21-year-old Livye Lewis and the perplexing claims of memory loss from her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Edgar. With correspondent Peter Van Sant leading the investigation, the program sheds light on the twists and turns of this haunting case.

Halloween Tragedy in Hemphill, Texas

In the early hours of October 31, 2020, Livye Lewis was discovered dead in her car on the side of a rural road in Hemphill, Texas. The 21-year-old nursing student had been shot in the neck with a rifle, a chilling end to what should have been a festive night. Her mother, Darci Bass, learned of her daughter’s death not from authorities, but through a friend. Arriving at the crime scene, she was met with anguish and confusion, demanding answers from law enforcement.

Nearby, police found Matthew Edgar, Livye’s ex-boyfriend, in a fetal position behind the car. Disoriented and bloodied, Edgar claimed no memory of the events leading to Livye’s death. His apparent confusion, captured in police bodycam footage, raised suspicions among investigators. Sabine County Sheriff’s Investigator J.P. MacDonough believed the crime scene indicated familiarity between Livye and her killer. Edgar’s proximity to the body, coupled with the presence of his rifle, quickly made him the prime suspect.

The Investigation and Arrest

From the outset, the investigation into Livye’s death centered on Edgar. Questioned in his hospital bed, Edgar repeatedly stated that he could not recall how he ended up at the scene. Despite his claims of amnesia, law enforcement believed Edgar’s actions pointed to guilt. MacDonough described the evidence as painting a picture of a calculated act, despite Edgar’s denials.

However, Edgar’s defense team argued that the case was far from straightforward. Attorney Rob Hughes highlighted gaps in the investigation, such as the lack of fingerprints or DNA evidence on the rifle. Additionally, Edgar’s supporters, including close friend Shaun Dunn, posited alternative theories. Dunn suggested Edgar was also a victim and that someone else—potentially someone close to Edgar—may have been responsible for the shooting.

A Mother’s Fight for Justice

The case took a dramatic turn in December 2021, when Darci Bass confronted Edgar in a convenience store. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, Bass accused him of killing her daughter, leading to a physical altercation that spilled into the parking lot. Bass was later charged with assault, but the charges were eventually dropped. Her confrontation underscored the frustration of a grieving mother seeking accountability while Edgar remained free on bail.

Months later, in March 2021, a grand jury indicted Edgar for Livye’s murder. As his trial commenced, Edgar maintained his innocence, but his actions soon betrayed a different narrative. On the fourth day of his trial, Edgar fled, allowing his ankle monitor battery to die. The court proceeded in his absence, and the jury ultimately convicted him of murder.

Conviction and Fugitive Capture

The verdict was a measure of justice for Livye’s family, but Edgar’s disappearance added a cruel twist to an already devastating case. Authorities pursued him for 11 months before finally capturing him. In 2022, Edgar was sentenced to 99 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years. For Livye’s family, the sentencing provided some closure, though the pain of her loss remains.

A Legacy of Loss and Questions

“The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis” presents a heartbreaking tale of love, betrayal, and violence. While Matthew Edgar serves his sentence, questions linger about the night of Livye’s death. The case underscores the complexities of domestic violence and the challenges of navigating justice in the face of inconclusive evidence. Through interviews and detailed reporting, 48 Hours explores the enduring impact of Livye’s loss on her family and community.

Tune in this Saturday at 10:00 PM ET/PT on CBS or stream the episode on Paramount+ to follow this harrowing investigation.