Missing woman’s body found behind secret attic entrance in Northern California home

Police say they found the body of a missing woman behind a secret entrance to a home’s attic in Northern California on Wednesday.

The woman, Renia Lewis, 28, of Vallejo, Calif., had been missing since Friday. Authorities have arrested Douglas Irwin Shaw, 41, on suspicion of murder, though the Vallejo Police Department has not declared a motive or clarified whether the two knew each other.

“This was a heartbreaking, senseless act of violence that has no place in our community. I am proud of our officers and detectives for making an arrest and solving this case. Above all, our thoughts are with the decedent’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta said in a statement.

Police say Lewis was last seen on Friday evening, but she wasn’t formally reported missing until Sunday.

“Following his arrest, Douglas Shaw provided a statement to detectives where he admitted being responsible for this heinous crime. Shaw was subsequently booked into the Solano County Jail for murder,” the statement added.

Police noted that Lewis’ death marks the 14th homicide in Vallejo this year.