In a tragic turn of events, the remains of 28-year-old Reneia Lewis were discovered concealed within a hoarder home in Vallejo, California, nearly a week after she was reported missing. The case has raised numerous questions regarding the investigation and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Reneia was last seen on the evening of September 26, 2025. Her family reported her missing two days later when they became concerned after not hearing from her. Using the Life 360 app, they tracked her last known location to a residence on 14th Street in Vallejo. Police conducted a welfare check at the home, where they performed a cursory search of the premises but found no signs of Lewis.
As her family continued to search for her, they discovered her phone on a roof, an unsettling finding that heightened their concerns. This prompted law enforcement to intensify their efforts, leading to the issuance of an Ebony Alert, a notification system designed to help locate missing Black youth and women. The California Highway Patrol and the FBI joined the investigation, but Reneia remained missing.
On September 30, detectives returned to the same residence with a search warrant based on new information. During this search, they found a concealed entry to the attic, where they located the remains of a deceased female, later confirmed to be Reneia Lewis. According to family members, her remains had been hidden behind a wall, suggesting deliberate concealment.
The home, described by relatives as disorganized and cluttered, had previously been searched by police without yielding any evidence. Chief Deputy Alex Payne of the local sheriff’s department acknowledged the difficulties posed by searching a hoarder environment, noting that such conditions can obscure potential evidence and make thorough searches challenging.
Following the discovery of her remains, law enforcement arrested 41-year-old Douglas Irwin Shaw, who reportedly confessed to the murder. Shaw was apprehended at his workplace, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, where he worked as a mechanic. However, details about his connection to Reneia remain unclear, with conflicting reports regarding his residence. Neighbors indicated that the house where her body was found had been boarded up for some time, and Shaw’s official address was located nearby.
Family members expressed their devastation over the loss of Reneia, who was remembered as a vibrant individual who cherished her family. “I was praying. I just prayed. God, please don’t let it be her,” her mother, Terry Lewis, said upon receiving the news of her daughter’s death. Reneia’s cousin, Latoya, described the emotional weight of the situation, stating, “You would never thought you would be out posting flyers and it would be your own family member.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover more about the circumstances leading to Reneia’s tragic death and the relationship between Shaw and the victim. The police chief emphasized the senseless nature of the violence, expressing sympathy for the Lewis family during this painful time.
This case marks a disturbing chapter in Vallejo, where the number of homicides has seen an increase in recent years. Law enforcement officials are grappling with the implications of rising violent crime and its impact on community safety. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on alert, hoping for answers and justice for Reneia Lewis.
