Michael Lee Dudley has been formally charged with two counts of second degree murder in the deaths of Austin Wenner and Jessica Lewis. He is being held in King County Jail on $5 million bail.
Michael Lee Dudley, 62 has been formally charged with two counts of murder in the 2nd degree by the King County Prosecutor. He is charged in the death and dismemberment of Austin Wenner and Jessica Lewis. Their body parts were found inside garbage bags in suitcases that washed ashore in West Seattle June 19.
The charging documents state:
The State incorporates by reference the Certification for Detennination of Probable Cause prepared by Detective James L Cooper ofthe Seattle Police Department for case number 2020-191677.
Bail was set at First Appearance in the amount of $5,000,000.00. Pursuant to CrR 2.2, the State requests that bail remain in that amount because the nature ofthe charges and the extraordinary lengths the defendant went to in order to hide the evidence of his crime suggests that he is likely to commit another violent crime. While the precise motive for this crime is not yet fully known, the evidence to date shows that the defendant was angry with the victims for not paying rent and for bringing potential criminal activity to the Ambaum home. The defendant, likely with the aid of others, dismembered the two victims after he killed them, separated their bodies into multiple bags and suitcases and tried to hide them in different bodies of water. This process would have taken a lot of time and effort and his willingness to take these extreme steps demonstrates the threat he poses to the community. The atrocities inflicted on the bodies of the victims after their murder has greatly increased the anguish and suffering oftheir families. This case is still under active investigation and additional charges may be forthcoming.
The defendant's criminal history includes a felony conviction from Thurston County in 1996 for VUCSA, convictions in California for Can-ying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle (1994), Taking a Vehicle for Temporary Use (1995), Vehicle Theft (1996), and a conviction for DUI in Oregon (1977).
Mr. Dudley’s next court date is an arraignment, where he’s expected to enter a plea, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Set. 8, 2020 in room E1201A of the King County Courthouse.
He must be seriously evil to have gone to the lengths he did to kill those people and try to hide the evidence. Once again, looking at the photo of him, you’d never suspect he was capable of doing what he did. Very scary to think he may have had help and that person is still free. So horrible for the families. Sending them strength and comfort.