Jose Lopez Xique sentenced to life in prison after HCAO secures first-degree murder conviction for 2025 “rejection killing”

Jose Luis Lopez Xique, 27, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Kayli Arseth in Richfield in 2025.

Mr. Lopez Xique was convicted at trial of the following charges:

First-degree premeditated murder
Second-degree intentional murder
Harassment – aggravated violations – used dangerous weapon in commission of offense

A first-degree murder conviction triggers a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“My thoughts are fully with Kayli’s loved ones today,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Kayli should still be with us, enjoying music, art, and restoring her motorcycle. These ‘rejection killings’ are deeply rooted in misogyny and are part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence targeting women.

“I’m grateful to our trial team and our victim services staff, and the members of the jury for their service in holding Mr. Lopez Xique accountable.”

Rejection killings are part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence and femicide, where women are targeted for asserting autonomy over their bodies.

They are distinct from domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

Because rejection killings are often counted alongside acts of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, it is unclear exactly how common these killings are.

Case Number: 27-CR-25-16934

Standpoint is a Minnesota organization with valuable resources and services in this area.

They provide free, over-the-phone legal advice and advocacy for stalking, harassment, sexual and domestic violence, and trafficking victims in Minnesota.

Standpoint’s website is STANDPOINTMN.ORG.

Their Action Line can be called toll-free at 800-313-2666 or 612-343-9842.

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