RICHFIELD, MN – A Minnesota man is facing second-degree murder charges after authorities say he fatally shot a 22-year-old woman in her own apartment, just one day after she declined his romantic advances on Snapchat.

Jose Luis Lopez Xique, 27, of Richfield, was charged Monday in Hennepin County following the June 27 death of Kayli Arseth. According to court documents, Lopez Xique allegedly shot Arseth at close range during a heated argument inside her home, reportedly yelling, “How could you do this to me?” before fleeing the scene.

Investigators say that in the days leading up to the shooting, Lopez Xique had pursued a deeper relationship with Arseth, sending her multiple messages expressing his desire to advance their friendship into a romance. Arseth, however, made clear that she was only interested in a friendship, citing personal stress and a lack of emotional availability for anything more.

Messages found on Arseth’s computer, which was logged into Snapchat, showed a “best friend badge” with a streak that had just ended between the two, indicating frequent recent communication. Arseth’s replies expressed appreciation for Lopez Xique’s friendship but firmly rejected the idea of a romantic connection, explaining that she was overwhelmed and not willing to pursue a relationship.

According to the complaint, Lopez Xique tried to convince Arseth to spend more time with him, offering to help with errands and proposing additional meetups. Arseth reiterated her boundaries several times, telling Lopez Xique she wasn’t ready for any relationship and asking for continued friendship only.

On the afternoon of June 16, police say location data from Lopez Xique’s phone placed him at Arseth’s apartment from 3:38 p.m. to 4:49 p.m. Around that time, Arseth sent a message explaining her emotional state and need for space. Lopez Xique’s final message from her address acknowledged her feelings, offering to keep their interactions friendly.

Concern grew the following day when Arseth could not be reached. Officers entered her apartment with a key from building management and discovered her lying face down in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to her head. Investigators described the scene as “gruesome.”

A neighbor recalled hearing a loud argument in Arseth’s unit shortly before 5 p.m., including a man shouting angrily before leaving the apartment. Data from Lopez Xique’s phone indicated that he departed the building around the same time and then visited a hardware store.

Authorities say the killing was an act of targeted violence, resulting from Lopez Xique’s escalating frustration after Arseth declined his advances. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office vowed to pursue prosecution, describing the loss as “a terrible instance of extreme, targeted violence.”

Arseth was remembered as a vibrant, caring individual who loved working with children and brought joy to those around her, according to her obituary. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors build their case against Lopez Xique.