In a heart-wrenching case of domestic violence, justice has finally been served in Sabine County, Texas, as Matthew Hoy Edgar, the convicted murderer of 19-year-old Livye Lewis, has been formally sentenced to 99 years in prison. The tragic story, marked by a year-long manhunt and emotional courtroom scenes, has left a lasting impact on the community.
Livye Lewis, a young woman with dreams and aspirations, met a tragic end at the hands of her then-boyfriend, Matthew Edgar, on October 31, 2020. Edgar was charged with her murder, and in early 2022, the trial began in Hemphill, Texas. However, during the third day of the trial, Edgar fled, leaving the courtroom in shock and uncertainty.
Despite his absence, the court proceeded with the trial, and Edgar was convicted of Lewis’s murder. He was sentenced to 99 years in prison. The verdict brought a measure of closure to Lewis’s grieving family, who had been waiting for justice for over a year.
On Thursday, in a poignant courtroom scene, a judge officially issued the sentence. Edgar, now in custody, will serve his time in the Byrd Unit in Huntsville, Texas. Although he will be eligible for parole on May 31, 2052, the severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of his crime.
Before his departure to prison, the courtroom was filled with emotion as Lewis’s grandmother, Janice Lewis, and her mother, Darci Bass, had the opportunity to address Edgar directly. The absence of cameras allowed for raw and unfiltered expressions of grief, anger, and hope for the future.
Janice Lewis conveyed the profound loss her family had endured, emphasizing that they would never truly understand why Edgar had taken Livye away from them. Her poignant words echoed the sentiments of a family forever altered by tragedy. “My whole family is broken,” she said.
During the court session, Janice Lewis noticed Edgar nodding his head in acknowledgment, offering some reassurance that the truth was being acknowledged. Darci Bass, Livye’s mother, expressed her hope for Edgar’s redemption, emphasizing that she had let go of the initial hatred she felt. She urged for God’s grace to embrace him and believed that Livye’s life had a purpose.
In a touching tribute to her daughter, Bass requested that the judge play a video of Livye’s high school valedictorian speech as her statement. The video showcased Livye’s dreams and aspirations, reminding everyone of the potential that was tragically cut short.
Livye’s family shared the video with the hope that it would inspire others to find meaning in her story. Despite the irreplaceable loss, they believe that justice has been served, and Livye’s memory will endure. “Her name will forever live on. Long live within Livye,” Darci Bass said.
Friends and supporters of Livye Lewis also found solace in the sentencing, acknowledging that while they would never get her back, this verdict brought some form of closure. It marked a significant step towards healing the wounds inflicted by her untimely death.
The case of Livye Lewis is a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the strength of those who seek justice for their loved ones. While no sentence can truly bring back what was lost, the conviction and sentencing of Matthew Hoy Edgar offer a glimmer of hope for the future and a testament to the enduring love and memory of Livye Lewis.