In the summer of 2020, a group of teenagers in Seattle stumbled upon a chilling discovery that would change their lives forever. What started as a fun day filming TikTok videos on a beach turned into a nightmare. The teens accidentally found a suitcase containing human remains, leading to the unraveling of a brutal double homicide.
A Normal Day Takes a Dark Turn
The teenagers were enjoying their day at Alki Beach in West Seattle, filming TikTok content and soaking in the sun. It seemed like just another typical day, filled with fun and creativity. But everything changed when they spotted a mysterious suitcase washed up on the rocky shoreline.
Curiosity got the better of them, as it would for many, and they decided to investigate. One girl climbed down the rocks to get a closer look while the person behind the camera mentioned the foul smell coming from the suitcase. At this point, the teens weren’t sure what they had found, but the odor was a clear sign that something wasn’t right.
Their initial thoughts were innocent. Maybe it was spoiled food or garbage inside. But as they opened the suitcase and saw something wrapped in a black garbage bag, the situation took a sinister turn. They quickly realized this wasn’t just a case of abandoned trash.
The Gruesome Discovery
Realizing they might have stumbled upon something serious, the teens made a smart decision. They called the police to report what they had found. Law enforcement officers arrived on the scene, and what they uncovered confirmed the teens’ worst fears. The suitcase contained human remains.
The Seattle Fire Department and law enforcement began searching the area. They found more bags nearby, each containing additional body parts. The situation was horrifying. The investigation soon revealed the identities of the two victims: Jessica Lewis, 35, and Austin Wenner, 27. Their deaths marked the beginning of a murder investigation that would soon point to someone close to them.
Who Were the Victims?
Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner had been in a relationship for several years. Jessica, a mother of four, was described by her family as caring and loving. Austin, known to many by his nickname “Cash,” was a kind and friendly man. The couple lived together in a rental property in Burien, a suburban area outside of Seattle.
Jessica and Austin had their challenges but were trying to build a life together. Sadly, their lives took a horrific turn when they were murdered and their bodies dismembered. The couple’s remains, stuffed into suitcases and left at the beach, sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
The Viral TikTok Video
The video capturing the teens’ shocking discovery was uploaded to TikTok, and it quickly went viral. The footage showed the teens’ raw reactions as they realized the suitcase they had found contained something far more disturbing than trash. Within days, the video had been viewed over 30 million times, leaving viewers stunned.
However, as the video continued to circulate, it sparked controversy. Out of respect for the victims’ families, the video was eventually taken down. It remains unclear whether TikTok removed the video or if the original poster chose to delete it. Regardless, the viral clip has become a dark part of internet history, a haunting reminder of the unexpected horrors that can surface in everyday life.
Identifying the Suspect: The Landlord’s Role
As the investigation unfolded, police began to piece together what had happened. It didn’t take long for them to identify a prime suspect: Michael Dudley, the 65-year-old landlord of Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner. The couple had been renting a room in Dudley’s home, but tensions had been rising between them.
According to prosecutors, Dudley became frustrated with Jessica and Austin due to unpaid rent. The relationship deteriorated in the weeks leading up to their deaths, eventually culminating in a violent confrontation. Authorities believe that Dudley killed Jessica and Austin in his home. Afterward, he dismembered their bodies and attempted to dispose of the remains by placing them in suitcases.
The gruesome details of the crime shocked the community. Dudley’s violent actions tore apart the lives of two innocent people who had been struggling with financial difficulties.
The Trial and Sentencing
In December 2022, after a lengthy investigation and court proceedings, Michael Dudley was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder. The evidence against him was overwhelming, and the jury delivered its verdict after hearing the horrifying details of the case. Prosecutors argued that Dudley’s frustration with his tenants over unpaid rent had escalated into cold-blooded murder.
In April 2023, Dudley was sentenced to 560 months in prison, equivalent to over 46 years. He is currently serving his time at Washington State Penitentiary. For the families of Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner, the sentencing brought a sense of closure, though the pain of losing their loved ones will never fully go away.
Following the sentencing, Jessica Lewis’ aunt expressed her relief. “I’m just glad we are safer now that man is off the streets,” she said. “He can’t take advantage of or hurt anyone who’s down on their luck anymore.”
The Netflix Connection
The tragic case of Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner gained further attention when it was featured on Netflix’s true-crime series Worst Roommate Ever. The second season of the show, released in 2023, delves into the chilling story of Michael Dudley and the murders that shocked the nation.
The show highlights the hidden dangers that can sometimes arise in landlord-tenant relationships, particularly when financial stress and personal disputes come into play. Dudley’s horrific crimes serve as a stark reminder that not all roommates or landlords have innocent intentions. The Netflix series brought the case back into the spotlight, ensuring that the memory of Jessica and Austin—and the justice they received—would not be forgotten.
Reflecting on the Tragedy
The accidental discovery of Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner’s remains by a group of TikTok-filming teenagers serves as a haunting reminder of how quickly life can take a dark turn. What began as a normal day at the beach quickly became a horrifying experience that changed the lives of those teens forever. It also became a defining moment for the families of Jessica and Austin, who had been desperate for answers.
This tragic case also raises questions about the complex dynamics that can arise in rental situations. While most landlord-tenant disputes never result in violence, this story serves as a grim warning of how financial stress, frustration, and anger can escalate into something much worse.
The discovery of human remains by teenagers filming TikTok videos on Alki Beach in 2020 shocked the world. The deaths of Jessica Lewis and Austin Wenner, a couple who had been struggling financially, left their families devastated and searching for justice. Thanks to the investigation, their killer, Michael Dudley, is now serving time behind bars.
This tragic event also captivated the public, with its retelling through viral videos and Netflix documentaries. It serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and how, sometimes, the darkest secrets can be uncovered in the most unexpected ways.
