Breaking News: Chilling Discovery of Missing Woman’s Remains in Vallejo Hoarder Home
In a harrowing twist that has left the community of Vallejo, California reeling, the remains of 28-year-old Reneia Lewis, who had been missing for nearly a week, were discovered hidden behind a concealed wall in a hoarder-style home that police had previously searched. The shocking revelation comes as authorities announce that a suspect has confessed to her murder, raising urgent questions about how her body went unnoticed during initial searches.
Reneia was last seen on the night of September 26, 2025, when she visited friends in Vallejo. Her family, growing increasingly concerned after receiving no response to messages, reported her missing on September 28. Police quickly entered her into the missing persons database and conducted a cursory search of the home on 14th Street, where she was believed to have been last seen. Despite their efforts, no signs of her were found.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when Reneia’s family, using location tracking data, discovered her phone on a nearby roof. This unsettling find prompted police to return to the house with a search warrant on September 30. What they uncovered was chilling: the remains of a woman, later confirmed to be Reneia, hidden in the attic behind a wall. Her cousin described the discovery as horrifying, revealing that Reneia’s body had been dismembered and concealed within a detached unit in the backyard.
Authorities have arrested 41-year-old Douglas Irwin Shaw, who worked as a mechanic at the nearby Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Shaw was taken into custody at his workplace, and police believe he had ties to Reneia, although the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear. Reports indicate that Shaw confessed to killing Reneia, but details surrounding the motive and circumstances of her death are still under investigation.
The discovery of Reneia’s remains marks a devastating blow to her family, who described her as vibrant and family-oriented. Her mother, Terry Lewis, expressed her anguish, stating that she prayed for her daughter’s safety, only to receive the heart-wrenching news of her death.
This tragic case has raised alarm bells in Vallejo, where the homicide rate has surged this year. Police Chief Jason Ta condemned the violence, calling it a “heartbreaking, senseless act” that has no place in the community. As law enforcement continues to piece together the details of this horrific crime, the focus remains on seeking justice for Reneia and providing answers to her grieving family.
As the investigation unfolds, the community watches closely, grappling with the chilling reality of how a vibrant young woman could end up hidden away in such a horrifying manner. The search for answers is far from over, and the implications of this case will undoubtedly resonate throughout Vallejo for years to come.
