TikTok Discovery Uncovers Double Murder in Washington: The Chilling Case Of Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner


A horrifying discovery in the quiet community of Burien, Washington, shocked the nation in June 2020. 

Two suitcases containing dismembered human remains were found along Alki Avenue Southwest. 

The victims, Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner, had been shot, mutilated, and discarded like trash. 

Their landlord Michael Lee Dudley was eventually convicted of the double murder.

Here’s a closer look at how criminal investigators worked tirelessly to uncover the chilling truth behind this gruesome crime. 

Jessica Lewis, and Austin Wenner,

Background of The Case

On June 19, 2020, a group of teenagers, inspired by a TikTok challenge, discovered two suitcases washed ashore in West Seattle. 

What began as an innocent curiosity quickly turned into horror when they found human remains inside the bags. 

Crime scene investigators were called to the scene, and the victims were later identified as Jessica Lewis, 35, and Austin Wenner, 27.

Both had been fatally shot before their bodies were mutilated and stuffed into the suitcases

Investigators soon learned that the couple had been renting a room in Michael Dudley's home. 

According to prosecutors, tensions between the landlord and tenants had escalated over unpaid rent and allegations of theft. 

The Landlord reportedly believed that the victims were stealing from him.

However, when detectives questioned Dudley about the crime, he denied any involvement in the death of his tenants. 

the suitcase

 

 

The Overwhelming Evidence Uncovered 

The criminal investigation faced significant challenges due to the absence of direct witnesses or forensic evidence tying Dudley to the murders. 

However, investigators pieced together a compelling case through a combination of witness statements, physical evidence, and cell phone data.

  • Gunshot Heard: A neighbor reported hearing gunshots and a man pleading for his life on June 9, 2020. When police arrived at Dudley’s home that day, no one answered the door, and Dudley later failed to explain this in interviews.
  • Forensic Evidence: Bullet holes, spent rounds, and blood were discovered in the room where Jessica and Austin had stayed. This was after Dudley tried to conceal the evidence by repairing and repainting the walls.
  • Witness Testimony: A woman who had temporarily lived with Dudley claimed to have seen a bloody hand protruding from laundry in his home. Though defense attorneys questioned her credibility, her account added weight to the prosecution’s case.
  • Cell Phone Data: Cell phone data placed Dudley near Alki Beach, where the suitcases were found, shortly before their discovery. Investigators also used cell phone data to establish that Jessica’s phone became inactive on the night of the murders. 

  • Michael Lee Dudley 

    Michael Lee Dudley 


    Justice

    During the trial, prosecutors argued that Dudley had grown frustrated with his tenants over unpaid rent and accusations of theft. 

    They strongly believe that this motivated the heinous crime.

    Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Dudley maintained his claims of innocence.

    Ultimately, a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, marking a major victory for the victims’ families. 

    Gina Jaschke, Jessica Lewis’s aunt, remarked, “Our families will never fill the empty void without them…but at least now we can truly start the healing process.”

    On March 10, 2023,  Judge Aimee Sutton handed Dudley a 46-year prison term, stating, “The heinous nature of this crime deserves the maximum sentence.” as reported by Westside Seattle News 

    Even after the versict, Dudley maintained his innocence.

    “This isn’t really about me; it’s about justice for Austin and Jessica,” said Dudley.

    Despite his protests, the overwhelming evidence and testimony left no doubt about his guilt.

    While no sentence can bring back the victims, their families can find some solace in knowing their killer will spend the rest of his life behind bars.


    Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately. 

    You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.

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