Families, activists expose gaps in domestic violence protections
Allison Lussier’s life ended in a North Loop apartment in February 2024, but questions surrounding her death continue to reverberate through Minneapolis. Family members and Indigenous activists say the system failed Lussier, a 29-year-old woman with a history of domestic abuse, and are calling for accountability as her former boyfriend, Charles Henry Foss, faces only minor charges unrelated to her death.
Lussier died from a subdural hematoma, a blood buildup between the brain and skull that can result from violence, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death remains undetermined, and toxicology reports revealed significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in her system.
Foss, who was sentenced to 13 months in jail for an unrelated break-in and standoff, appeared in Hennepin County Court wearing an XL orange jumpsuit. Prosecutors described his erratic behavior, which included fleeing police with a knife and agreeing to surrender only after requesting a McDonald’s milkshake. Advocates argue Foss should face charges related to Lussier’s death, citing a pattern of domestic abuse.
“If Minneapolis police had listened months ago, Allison might still be alive.”
Jana Williams, Lussier’s aunt, and half a dozen Indigenous activists wearing red “No More Stolen Lives” shirts attended the court hearing. “If Minneapolis police had listened months ago, Allison might still be alive,” Williams said, emphasizing the systemic failures that contributed to her niece’s death.
Emails obtained by the MSR show Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando repeatedly requesting a meeting with Mayor Jacob Frey in October to discuss gaps in Minneapolis Police Department procedures for high-risk domestic violence cases. City officials largely declined or failed to follow through, though Chief of Staff Grace Walz later offered a rescheduled meeting.
City Auditor Robert Timmerman said the office lacks sufficient resources to investigate high-profile domestic violence cases, noting active audits into Lussier’s death and other incidents.
The story reflects broader disparities. A 2023 Department of Justice investigation found Minneapolis police disproportionately stop and use force against Black and Indigenous residents, who also experience higher rates of domestic violence. Black women account for 40% of domestic violence victims in Minnesota despite making up only 7% of the population.
Advocates connect Lussier’s death to other cases, including Davis Motouri and Mariah Samuels, highlighting patterns of systemic lapses in protecting vulnerable residents.
The Minneapolis City Council approved an After Action Review in February 2025 and requested independent audits to assess city and police actions. Activists say these measures are essential but not sufficient. “The only ones putting feet to the fire are the City Council,” Williams said.
Lussier’s death is a tragic reminder that systemic failures, unchecked, can cost lives. Advocates stress that real accountability, better resourcing, and proactive intervention are necessary to protect Black and Indigenous women, and to prevent another tragedy like Lussier’s from being repeated.
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