HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. (TCN) — A 27-year-old man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 2025 killing of a woman who rejected his romantic advances.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Jose Luis Lopez Xique was convicted on Oct. 9 of first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree intentional murder, and harassment in what they called the “rejection killing” of 22-year-old Kayli Arseth.
Law & Crime reports that according to a criminal complaint, Arseth and Lopez Xique communicated often on Snapchat and had “best friend” badges on the app. In the days leading up to Arseth’s death, Lopez Xique reportedly messaged her asking to go on “actual dates,” and she said she just wanted to be friends.
On June 16, 2025, Arseth asked Lopez Xique to help her with her motorcycle, and after they spent time together, Law & Crime reports she messaged him, “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 as well as manage my relationship with my parents and I’m overwhelmed and stressed already.”
Later that day, Arseth could no longer be reached by phone, according to Law & Crime, and cellphone data showed Lopez Xique was at her apartment. Managers at her apartment building gave police a key to get into her home. When they gained entry, they found Arseth had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. A witness in a nearby apartment alleged they heard arguing followed by a male voice yelling, “How could you do this to me?”
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said of the conviction, “My thoughts are with Kayli’s loved ones today and I am so sorry for their loss. … This was a horrifying instance of a ‘rejection killing’ where Mr. Lopez Xique refused to accept that Kayli did not want a relationship. I’m grateful to our trial team and our victim services staff, and the members of the jury for their service.
“Kayli loved music, art, and her family and friends. She was restoring her motorcycle while working as a behavioral technician for children with special needs. She should still be with her family and her loved ones.”
Lopez Xique is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15, according to the county attorney’s office. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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