Body Wrapped in Tarp Found in Crashed Car
Margot Lewis was found sitting in a lawn chair in the median of Interstate 90 in Eyota, Minnesota, after crashing a car. What unfolded next was a chilling discovery that gripped the community and led to a high-profile murder trial. Inside the vehicle Lewis was driving, good Samaritans found the body of her ex-partner, Liara Tsai, wrapped in bedding and a tarp in the backseat. The bizarre scene raised immediate questions — how did the body get there, and what had happened before the crash?
A Shocking Discovery on the Road
On the morning of June 22, 2024, authorities responded to a crash on I-90 where Margot Lewis was found sitting calmly in a lawn chair placed in the road's median. Two good Samaritans who stopped to assist noticed something deeply unsettling — a deceased woman in the backseat of the sedan Lewis had been driving. The body was wrapped in bedding and a mattress, with a tarp covering the entire bundle, and the victim's head was visible. Deputies quickly identified the woman as Liara Tsai, a 35-year-old Minneapolis DJ who had recently moved to the city from Iowa.
The scene was immediately recognized as more than a simple car accident. Tsai had a puncture wound to her neck, and it was clear to law enforcement that her death was not caused by the crash. The discovery of the body in such a concealed and unusual manner raised suspicions of foul play, prompting a full investigation.
The Trial Reveals a Grim Story
Margot Lewis, 33, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder in connection with Tsai's death. The trial revealed that the fatal stabbing occurred at Tsai's Minneapolis apartment, where Lewis attacked her former partner in bed. Prosecutors described how Tsai bled to death from the wound, a violent act that shocked those who knew her.
The crime only came to light because of the car crash and the subsequent discovery of Tsai's body. Lewis had been driving the car with the body concealed in the backseat, wrapped in bedding and a tarp, an attempt to hide the evidence. After the crash, Lewis was arrested and charged not only with murder but also with interference with a dead body, reflecting the severity of the concealment.
The jury found aggravating factors in the case, which could lead to a sentence beyond the standard guidelines. Lewis's sentencing was scheduled for November 18, 2025. Meanwhile, she still faces additional charges related to concealing Tsai's body in Olmsted County, which have been on hold pending the murder trial's outcome.
Remembering Liara Tsai
Liara Tsai was more than a victim; she was a vibrant member of the Minneapolis community. Known as a popular DJ and a volunteer for a suicide hotline, Tsai had recently relocated to Minneapolis from Iowa, seeking new opportunities and connections. Friends described her as a magnetic personality who made people feel welcome and seen, a stark contrast to the tragic circumstances of her death.
Her loss has resonated deeply with those who knew her, highlighting the human cost behind the headlines. The case also serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, with organizations urging anyone experiencing abuse to seek help through available resources.
What This Case Teaches Us
The bizarre image of a woman calmly sitting in a lawn chair on a highway median, juxtaposed with the grim discovery of a body hidden in the backseat of a car, captures your attention and refuses to let go. It's a stark example of how violence can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life, only coming to light through unexpected events.
This story underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness. It also highlights the role of good Samaritans — those who stopped to help that morning played a crucial part in uncovering the truth and bringing justice for Liara Tsai.
As the legal process continues, the community watches closely, hoping for closure and justice. Margot Lewis's case is a sobering chapter in the ongoing conversation about domestic violence and the need for support systems to protect vulnerable individuals.
In the end, the story of the lawn chair on the median and the hidden body in the backseat is a haunting reminder that sometimes, the most ordinary scenes can conceal the darkest secrets. And it's up to all of us to stay alert, compassionate, and ready to act when something doesn't feel right.
References: Good Samaritans Stopped on Road to Help Woman After Car Crash. What They Found Inside the Vehicle Was Horrifying | Woman found guilty of murdering former partner, still to face charges for allegedly hiding body | Trial begins for Margot Lewis, accused of murdering Minneapolis DJ Liara Tsai
