California Man Arrested After Missing Woman Found Stuffed Behind Wall in Vallejo Attic

VALLEJO, California — Police say a 41-year-old man confessed to a “heinous crime” after investigators discovered the body of a missing woman stuffed behind a wall in an attic of a Vallejo home, days after initially failing to find her during a first search.

Second Search Uncovers Body

The victim, 28-year-old Renia Lewis, was first reported missing on Sunday, September 28. Police conducted a welfare check at a home on 14th Street but found no trace of her after a cursory search of rooms and closets.

By Monday, authorities issued a statewide Ebony Alert, and the FBI joined the investigation, offering expert resources. On Tuesday, detectives returned with a search warrant and discovered Lewis’ remains hidden in the attic. The suspect, Douglas Irwin Shaw, was arrested later that day while at work.

Family in Shock

Lewis’ family said she had no connection to Shaw or the home. Her mother, Teri Lewis, shared her grief with local reporters: “What did she do to you for you to kill her, and then put her in a wall? And she’s been gone since Friday, so we were out here looking for my daughter and she’s in the wall — dead. I know she fought.”

Her cousin Latoya Lewis added that the attic was difficult to access, which is why police missed it during the initial search. “You would miss it, because my baby girl was hidden behind a wall. A secret wall they placed her behind,” she told KTVU.

Suspect Confesses to Detectives

Following his arrest, Shaw allegedly admitted to killing Lewis. Police have not yet revealed a motive or the official cause of death. He is currently being held without bond at the Solano County Jail.

Community Reaction

Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta praised officers for solving the case but condemned the crime as senseless. “This was a heartbreaking, senseless act of violence that has no place in our community. Above all, our thoughts are with the decedent’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” Ta said in a statement.

The discovery of Renia Lewis’ body has shaken Vallejo, with her family pleading for justice as investigators continue to piece together what led to her death. For more breaking crime updates and community safety news, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.