While creating TikTok content on a beach, a group of teenagers stumbled upon a shocking and gruesome discovery.
In 2020, three teenagers were filming videos on Alki Beach, West Seattle, when they noticed a suitcase.
Driven by curiosity, they opened the suitcase, unaware that its contents would lead to a man receiving a lengthy prison sentence.
In the chilling video that continues to circulate online, one girl climbs down onto a rocky section of the beach to inspect the suitcase, which the person filming noted ‘stinks’.
The odor grew stronger when they opened the suitcase and found something wrapped in what appeared to be a black garbage bag.
Uncertain whether it was food or something more sinister causing the smell, one of the teenagers called the police to investigate.
Authorities later confirmed that human remains were inside the suitcase, and firefighters discovered additional body parts in other discarded bags in the vicinity.
Police identified the bodies as those of Jessica Lewis, 35, and Austin Wenner, 27.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Lewis died from multiple gunshot wounds and Wenner died from a gunshot wound to the torso, reported FOX 13.
The disturbing video of the teenagers discovering the bodies was viewed 30 million times but was eventually taken down after pressure from the victims’ relatives.
It remains unclear whether TikTok removed the video or if the original poster did, according to the BBC.
Following the identification of the couple, police named their landlord, Michael Dudley, as a suspect.
Dudley was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and found guilty after a jury trial on December 6, 2022.
Prosecutors indicated that Dudley had become frustrated with the couple over rent payments.
In April of last year, the 65-year-old man was sentenced to 560 months (over 46 years) and is currently incarcerated at Washington State Penitentiary.
Jessica Lewis’ aunt, speaking after the sentencing, said: “I’m just glad we are safer now that man is off the streets and not taking advantage of or hurting and preying on people when down on their luck anymore.”
Dudley’s heinous acts were later featured in the second season of Netflix’s Worst Roommate Ever, which was released earlier this year.