Insets, top to bottom: Douglas Shaw and Renia Lewis (Vallejo Police Department). Background: Home in Vallejo, California, where Shaw allegedly stored Lewis’s body in an attic (KTVU).
Authorities in California are delving into a “gruesome crime” after the discovery of a missing woman’s body concealed in an attic wall, leading to the arrest of a man who reportedly confessed to her murder.
Douglas Irwin Shaw, 41, is facing murder charges in connection with the death of 28-year-old Renia Lewis in Vallejo. Police revealed in a press statement that Lewis was reported missing on Sunday. Investigations suggested that her last known location was a residence on 14th Street in Vallejo. Officers conducted a welfare check at the location, thoroughly inspecting all the rooms, closets, and potential hiding spots, but did not find any trace of the missing woman, according to the release.
Officials activated a statewide Ebony Alert on Monday, with the FBI stepping in to assist by providing specialized expertise in the inquiry. On Tuesday, authorities returned to the 14th Street home, armed with a search warrant. This time, they searched the attic, discovering Lewis’ body. Detectives then identified and apprehended Shaw while he was at his workplace.
“After being taken into custody, Douglas Shaw gave a statement to detectives admitting responsibility for this gruesome act,” the release mentioned.
Lewis’ family was stunned and said she had no connection to Shaw or the home where she was found dead.
“What did she do to deserve this? You killed her and put her in a wall? We’ve been searching since Friday, and now she’s found dead in a wall,” Teri Lewis expressed to local Fox affiliate KTVU. “I know she put up a fight.”
The victim’s cousin said it was her understanding the attic was not easily accessible, which is likely why cops missed it the first time.
“You would miss it, because my baby girl was hidden behind a wall. A secret wall they placed her behind,” Latoya Lewis said in an interview with KTVU.
They became concerned about Lewis’ wellbeing after she didn’t answer text messages on Friday. Her Life360 app showed she was in the area of the 14th Street home. Family members spent the weekend searching for her until detectives notified them about the discovery of a body.
“I just prayed, ‘God please don’t let it be her, please don’t let it be.’ And he didn’t answer my prayer,” Teri Lewis told KTVU.
Cops have not released the cause of death or potential motive.
Overhead images from KTVU’s helicopter showed junk and trash strewn across the front yard of the home with some of its windows boarded up. The victim’s family said neighbors said they have seen many people coming to and going from the home.
Shaw remains at the Solano County Jail without bond.
“This was a heartbreaking, senseless act of violence that has no place in our community. I am proud of our officers and detectives for making an arrest and solving this case. Above all, our thoughts are with the decedent’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” Chief Jason Ta said in a statement.
