Margot Lewis Sentenced to 40 Years; Placement in Women's Prison Sparks Debate

Minneapolis, MN – Margot Lewis, 33, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder of her former partner, Liara Tsai, 35. The sentencing has drawn attention not only to the tragic crime but also to the correctional facility placement of Lewis, who identifies as a transgender woman. Lewis was found guilty in September of two counts of second-degree murder in connection with Tsai's death.

The case gained public scrutiny following the discovery of Tsai's body in Lewis's car after a crash on I-90 in June 2024. Investigators determined Tsai had been stabbed to death in her Minneapolis apartment. Court documents described the relationship between Lewis and Tsai, who also identified as a transgender woman, as "sordid and emotionally challenging."

Following the sentencing, concerns have been raised regarding Lewis's placement. "He was sentenced to serve 40 years inside MCF Shakopee, Minnesota’s only women’s prison," a recent social media post stated, questioning why Lewis, referred to as "he" by the author, had been housed in a men's facility, MCF St. Cloud, until now. The post expressed outrage, suggesting the move to Shakopee demonstrates "complete disregard for women, particularly of the incarcerated variety."

Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) policy, updated in 2023, allows for the housing of transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) individuals in facilities consistent with their gender identity, provided safety and security assessments are met. This policy aims to align with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards, which mandate individualized assessments for housing decisions. The DOC considers factors such as the individual's gender identity, safety concerns, and medical and mental health needs when determining placement.

While Lewis has been referred to as a "woman" in various news reports covering the conviction and sentencing, the social media commentary highlights a broader debate about the implications of such policies on women's correctional facilities. The Minnesota DOC maintains that all housing decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all incarcerated individuals.