Update: Deceased Person Investigation
Update - June 26, 2024
On Saturday, June 22nd at approximately 7 a.m. Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle crash at Interstate 90, Eastbound near the Highway 42 Exit in Olmsted County. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Margot Lewis, a 32-year-old from North Liberty, Iowa. In checking to see if anyone else was in the vehicle, a deceased individual was located in the backseat. The conditions of the deceased were suspicious, and it was immediately apparent that the death was not a result of the motor vehicle crash.
Lewis was transported by Eyota Ambulance to the hospital to be medically cleared. Lewis was then transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center and placed under arrest for Interference with a Dead Body.
While investigating the crash and attempting to identify the deceased individual, a tentative identification was made based on the motor vehicle registration. An address in Minneapolis was located as a possible residence for the deceased. A welfare check was requested through the Minneapolis Police Department.
At approximately 8 p.m., members of the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office along with the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and Minneapolis Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of 16th Street East, Minneapolis. A scene indicating violence was located inside the residence. The Minneapolis Police Department is assisting the BCA with investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Southern MN Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as Liara Kaylee Tsai, a 35-year-old from Minneapolis, MN. The initial cause of death is listed as multiple sharp force injuries.
The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office has charged Margot Lewis with Felony Interference with a dead body or scene of death – Conceal body. Lewis was arraigned in Olmsted County District Court on June 25th for this charge and is being held on $1,000,000.00 bail.
The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Liara Tsai.
Update - June 25, 2024
The deceased individual has been identified by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office as Liara Tsai, a 35-year-old female from Minneapolis, Minn.
It was previously reported that Ms. Lewis was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (MCAS). That was not correct. Ms. Lewis was transported by Eyota Ambulance Service. Dover Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
June 24, 2024
On Saturday, June 22nd, at approximately 7 a.m. Olmsted County Sheriff's Office responded to a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 90, eastbound near the Highway 42 Exit in Olmsted County.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Margot Lewis, a 32-year-old female of an unknown residence, was out of the vehicle and being tended to by a passerby. In checking to see if anyone else was in the vehicle, a deceased individual, a 35-year-old female, was located in the back seat. The condition of the deceased was suspicious, and it was immediately apparent that the death was not a result of the motor vehicle accident. The name of the deceased will be withheld until Next-of-Kin notifications are made. Ms. Lewis was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service (MCAS) to the hospital, where she was medically cleared. Ms. Lewis was then transported to the Adult Detention Center (ADC) and placed under arrest for Interference with a Dead Body. Ms. Lewis is expected to make an appearance in court on this case on Tuesday.
The Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), Eyota Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted with the initial call. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information can be released at this time.
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office extends sincere condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.