New Future

January 14, 2025January 23, 2025

Minneapolis, MN — In February 2024, Allison Lussier, a mother and 47-year-old Indigenous woman from Minneapolis, was living in the North Loop neighborhood when, according to community members and family, an intermittent boyfriend killed her. According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, the cause of death was a subdural hematoma, yet the manner of death is classified as “undetermined.”

The community is disappointed with the Minneapolis Police Department for the lack of arrests of Lussier’s boyfriend leading up to her death, despite her calling 911 multiple times about domestic abuse.

Years of Abuse and Neglect

Lussier suffered domestic abuse over a span of 18 months, according to those close to her and police reports. There was an incident in Nov. 2022 when she was forced to strip, was beaten, and threatened with disfigurement. She got an order for protection a few days afterward, but a week later she rescinded it. There was also a final report made by Lussier, which described incidents of ongoing violence days before her death.

Community Actions and Demands

Family and friends have been driven to protest since her death. In March 2024, a group of around 75 people gathered in front of her apartment to say prayers and call for justice. They then marched from the North Loop neighborhood to the Minneapolis 1st Precinct. Among the speakers was Nicole Matthews, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC); she called for a system-wide change.

“We need systems to step up and do their jobs. We need people to see us and stop ignoring our calls for help,” Matthews said. “It’s ridiculous how many times Allison called for help and was ignored.”

MIWSAC Executive Director, Nicole Matthews

Lussier’s son Joshua Hanks spoke about his mother’s numerous attempts to seek safety. “We filed seven reports, sent thousands of texts to neighbors, family, and friends about how she was scared. Nothing was done,” Hanks said.

One of Lussier’s neighbors also remembered frequent 911 calls from Lussier’s apartment. Jennifer described how Lussier feared returning home after police left, often requiring an escort for safety.

Allison Lussier’s neighbor, Jennifer, speaking at a protest for Allison in March 2024

Related: Family of Elisa Gomez Calls for New Investigation of Her Suspicious Death [Dec. 2021] Five years after the mysterious death of Elisa Gomez, her family lost faith in the Minneapolis Police (MPD) and called for a new investigation. Gomez was 47 years old when she was found dead just hours after being married to a man with a violent history. Her death was ruled a suicide by authorities.

A rally and press conference at the “People’s Plaza” in front of the Hennepin County Government Center on July 2024, called for the suspect in Lussier’s case to be arrested. Among the protests were the American Indian Movement and the Indigenous Protector Movement. They highlighted how Lussier’s case reflects the bigger systemic failures when it comes to protecting Indigenous women from violence, which is why the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) movement exists.

Before a monthly meeting of the Community Commission on Police Oversight on November 18, 2024, Jana Williams, an aunt of Allison Lussier spoke to the press about the Minneapolis Police’s failure to investigate Lussier’s death. She called on the BCA and the Department of Justice to investigate MPD.

Lizzie Palmer of the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice spoke at the press conference and was also critical of MPD’s failure to address Lussier’s repeated calls for help. An artist performed an original piece of spoken word as a survivor within the MMIR movement.

Oversight Meeting Highlights

During the November 18, 2024, Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO) meeting, community members spoke out about systemic issues related to Lussier’s case. Lizzie Palmer spoke on behalf of Allison Lussier and also mentioned how she herself is an Indigenous woman who was also in an abusive relationship. Howard Dotson argued that Lussier’s death was automatically assumed to be a drug overdose and that there was a failure to obtain video evidence.

Investigation Status

The investigation has been referred to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for potential charges. Community members say they will continue to rally and raise awareness to prevent similar tragedies.

If you or anyone is experiencing domestic violence, support is available through the confidential Minnesota DayOne hotline at 866-223-1111. The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) also offers culturally specific advocacy and support services. MIWRC can be reached at (612) 728-2000 or by visiting its location at 2300 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

Editor’s Note (1.22.25): This article has been re-edited to reflect Unicorn Riot’s editorial standards.

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Ongoing Coverage around Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Relatives:

Published January 14, 2025

Community Demands Justice for Allison Lussier Amid Ongoing Investigation

Years of Abuse and Neglect

Community Actions and Demands

Oversight Meeting Highlights

Investigation Status

Ongoing Coverage around Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Relatives:

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