A disturbing case of deadly obsession has emerged in Richfield, Minnesota, where a 22-year-old behavioral technician was brutally murdered after making it clear she only wanted friendship with her alleged killer.

According to the Daily Mail, Kayli Grace Arseth was shot to death in her apartment on June 16 by Jose Luis Lopez Xique, 27, a U.S. Army reservist who had been pursuing a romantic relationship with her despite her repeated rejections.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office has charged Lopez Xique with second-degree intentional murder after investigators uncovered messages showing Arseth had explicitly told him she was only interested in maintaining a friendship. The tragic incident has highlighted the dangerous reality many women face when rejecting unwanted romantic advances.

Calculated Attack Reveals Disturbing Evidence

Police discovered a grisly collection of items at the crime scene including ammunition, gauze, disposable gloves, shoes, masking tape and other materials suggesting the attack was premeditated. Investigators say Lopez Xique broke into Arseth's apartment and lay in wait for her return.

Neighbors reported hearing an argument and Arseth screaming "how could you do this to me?" before she was killed. Her body was found the next day with a gunshot wound to the head in what police described as a "gruesome scene."

Messages between the two showed that while Arseth had asked Lopez Xique for help with her motorcycle on the day of her death, she had also messaged him stating "I don't have enough mental capacity for any type of relationship right now."

Victim's Life and Dreams Cut Short

Arseth worked as a behavioral technician for autistic children at Fraser School and had aspirations to study developmental psychology at the University of Minnesota. She was a graduate of Wayzata High School where she participated in swimming and track.

Those who knew her described her as someone who "made a positive difference in many people's lives." Her obituary noted that she often told people "well, you're stuck with me," adding poignantly that "she is now stuck in our hearts forever."

Family members said she had been hoping to further her education in developmental psychology before her life was tragically cut short. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help her loved ones with expenses.

Justice Sought as Community Mourns

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty called the murder "a terrible instance of extreme, targeted violence" and vowed to prosecute Lopez Xique to protect the community. Court documents paint a picture of a man who refused to accept rejection.

Lopez Xique's attorney noted that he is a U.S. citizen who has lived in Shakopee, Minnesota for most of his life. He remains in custody as the case moves forward through the legal system.

The tragedy has sparked discussions about stalking, rejection violence, and the dangers many women face when turning down romantic advances. Local advocacy groups are using this case to raise awareness about warning signs and available resources for those facing similar situations.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Be cautious when boundaries are tested. If someone continues to push for a relationship after being told no, even politely, it may be a red flag. It's important to take persistent unwanted advances seriously, particularly if the person disregards clear limits.

2. Share safety concerns with others. Let friends, roommates, or neighbors know if someone is making you uncomfortable, especially if you fear they might show up at your home. A simple heads-up can ensure someone checks in with you or notices unusual behavior.

3. Never blame the victim. No matter how careful someone is, crime can happen to anyone. Victims are never at fault for the violent actions of others. What matters is raising awareness and implementing community support and accountability systems to protect those most vulnerable.

Why this story matters

This tragic incident shines a light on how unreciprocated romantic feelings—when left unchecked—can escalate into fatal violence. It highlights the urgent need for education around consent, rejection, and emotional health. Arseth’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of ignoring warning signs and dismissing others' boundaries.

Conclusion

Kayli Grace Arseth, a 22-year-old behavioral technician in Richfield, Minnesota, was murdered on June 16 after rejecting the romantic pursuit of 27-year-old Jose Luis Lopez Xique. The two had interacted online, with Lopez Xique allegedly harboring feelings that Arseth did not return. Upon arriving at her apartment after work, Arseth was ambushed and fatally shot in an act prosecutors call deliberate and targeted. Messages exchanged through Snapchat revealed Arseth communicated her wish to remain friends. Her family and the wider community continue to mourn the young woman, while law enforcement promises accountability for the tragedy.