In a shocking turn of events, the remains of 28-year-old Reneia Lewis, a woman reported missing in Vallejo, California, were discovered concealed within a hoarder’s home, a location previously searched by police. Authorities have since arrested Douglas Irwin Shaw, a 41-year-old mechanic, who allegedly confessed to her murder.
Reneia Lewis was last seen on the night of September 26, 2025, and her family grew concerned after she failed to respond to messages. By September 28, the family used a location tracking app to pinpoint her last known whereabouts near a home on 14th Street in Vallejo. Alarmed by her sudden disappearance, they filed a missing person’s report with the police.
Initial police efforts included a welfare check at the residence, where officers conducted a cursory search of the property but found no signs of Reneia. Meanwhile, the family launched their search and made a disturbing discovery: Reneia’s phone was found on a nearby roof, raising suspicions about her fate.
As the search intensified, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the FBI, detectives returned to the home on September 30 with a search warrant based on new information. This time, they uncovered a hidden entry to the attic, where they located the remains of a woman, later confirmed to be Reneia Lewis. Family members were devastated to learn that her body had been dismembered and concealed behind a wall.
The house, described by neighbors as resembling a junkyard, posed significant challenges for law enforcement during the initial search. Chief Deputy Alex Payne remarked that hoarder homes create a unique environment that complicates searches, as important evidence or signs of a person can easily be overlooked.
On the same day the body was found, police arrested Douglas Shaw at his workplace, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. While Shaw’s exact relationship to Reneia remains unclear, he was reportedly living in a detached unit behind the home where her remains were found. Initial reports indicate that Shaw may have had previous legal issues, including a restraining order filed by an ex-girlfriend.
Reneia’s family has expressed their heartbreak over the loss of a vibrant young woman who loved cooking and spending time with family. Her mother, Terry Lewis, described her devastation upon receiving the news of her daughter’s death, stating, “I just prayed. God, please don’t let it be her. Please don’t let it be. And he didn’t answer my prayer.”
This tragic case has raised numerous questions about the circumstances leading to Reneia’s death and the potential motives behind the crime. Police Chief Jason Ta described the incident as a “heartbreaking, senseless act of violence” and emphasized the department’s commitment to justice for Reneia and her family.
As the investigation continues, the Vallejo community is left grappling with the implications of this tragedy, marking the 14th homicide in the city in 2025, a concerning trend that authorities are striving to address. The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for effective law enforcement responses in the face of rising violence.
