Minneapolis, MN — The death of Allison Lussier, a 47-year-old Indigenous woman from Minneapolis, has intensified community frustration with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and broader systemic failures. Lussier, who suffered years of domestic violence, died in February 2024 from a subdural hematoma — a buildup of blood between the brain and skull caused by head trauma — according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. Her death has been classified as “undetermined.”

Relatives and advocates have pointed to the inaction of MPD despite Lussier’s repeated 911 calls reporting violent assaults by her on-again, off-again boyfriend, identified in police reports as the suspected perpetrator. Family and friends allege that Lussier’s death is the result of years of systemic neglect and a failure to protect vulnerable residents, particularly Indigenous women.

Years of Abuse and Neglect

Police reports show Lussier endured intimate partner violence over a period of at least 18 months. The first documented assault occurred in July 2022, when her boyfriend allegedly tied her up in her apartment bathroom and kicked her in the chest. In November 2022, Lussier reported another attack where she was forced to strip, beaten, and threatened with disfigurement and death. Just days before her death, Lussier filed another report detailing ongoing violence.

Despite these reports, no arrests were made. Family members say a restraining order against the boyfriend was never served, rendering it inactive. Police reportedly urged Lussier multiple times to contact Cornerstone, a nonprofit assisting domestic abuse victims, but relatives argue these efforts were insufficient.

Community Actions and Demands

Since her death, public outcry has grown. In March 2024, a group of 50 to 100 people marched from Lussier’s North Loop neighborhood to the Minneapolis 1st Precinct, demanding justice. Nicole Matthews, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC), addressed the crowd, calling for systemic 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.”

Lussier’s son Joshua Hanks echoed these sentiments, detailing 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.

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

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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.

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In July 2024, a rally and press conference at the ‘People’s Plaza’ in front of the Hennepin County Government Center called for charges against the suspected perpetrator. Advocates and family members emphasized the broader implications of Lussier’s case, highlighting how it reflects the systemic failures to protect Indigenous women from violence.

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’s failure.

Lizzie Palmer, speaking on behalf of the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice, amplified Lussier’s case and criticized MPD’s handling of Lussier’s repeated pleas for help. The event also featured an original performance by a survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, underscoring the need for justice and systemic accountability.

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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, Ward 12, with the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice, spoke on behalf of Allison Lussier, emphasizing her status as an Indigenous woman in an abusive relationship. Palmer criticized MPD’s inaction, stating that despite Lussier’s numerous 911 calls and pleas for help, no action was taken by the department.
• Howard Dotson, speaking on behalf of Lussier’s family, argued that her death was prematurely presumed a drug overdose. He criticized the failure to obtain video evidence, potentially due to bias against Lussier’s Indigenous identity and the presence of drug paraphernalia. Dotson called for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to assist in the investigation and suggested MPD Chaplains model after Los Angeles’ Crisis Response Team.
• Heather Nelson, an Indigenous survivor of domestic violence, emphasized the need for justice for Lussier’s family.

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Investigation Status

The MPD has concluded its investigation into Lussier’s death and referred the case to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for potential charges. Meanwhile, community members continue to rally, demanding accountability for Lussier’s death and reforms to prevent similar tragedies.

Advocates urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek support through resources like the Minnesota DayOne hotline at 866-223-1111, which offers confidential assistance for victims. The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) also offers culturally specific advocacy and support services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and assistance with protective orders. MIWRC can be reached at (612) 728-2000 or by visiting their location at 2300 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

Lussier’s death remains a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and the need for systemic change.

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Ongoing Coverage around Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Relatives:

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• Family Hosts Press Conference/Vigil to Find Alexis Whitehawk-Ruiz (December 21, 2022)
• Ricky Balsimo Remembered a Year After Being Found Dismembered at the Bottom of Lake Superior (Aug. 28, 2022)
• Slain Oglala Lakota Woman’s Convicted Murderer Granted Parole, Release Delayed (Dec. 9, 2020)
• Former Probation Officer Convicted of Double Murder Commuted by California Gov., Granted Parole (Oct. 30, 2020)
• A Walkthrough of “Bring Her Home: Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island” (May 6, 2019)
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Task Force Inches Closer to Reality (Mar. 6, 2019)
• Three MMIW events in Minneapolis Demand Justice (Mar. 03, 2019)
• Minneapolis Gathers to Honor Missing & Murdered Indigenous People (Oct. 18, 2018)
• Camp Healing Souls Joins Solidarity Actions to #AbolishICE (Jul. 23, 2018)
• March Raises Alarm for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Apr. 10, 2018)
• Hundreds March to Raise Awareness of Murdered Missing Indigenous Women (Feb. 15, 2018)
• “No More Stolen Sisters” Demonstration Blockades DAPL Man Camp; 25+ Arrests (Nov. 16, 2016)
• Deprogram: Episode 23 (Oct. 7, 2015)