Editor’s note: The name of the victim has been updated.
(KRON) — The Vallejo man accused of killing a 28-year-old woman and stashing her body in a hidden wall appeared before a judge Thursday. Douglas Shaw pleaded not guilty to murdering Renia Lewis.
Outside the courtroom, family and friends of Lewis reacted following Shaw’s arraignment. Shaw was arrested Sept. 30 following a search of his Vallejo home. A forensic team discovered Lewis’s body in a hidden wall in the home’s attic.
Police said Shaw confessed to using a knife to kill her. He was arrested at his place of business.
“I’m so numb, that’s just so messed up, if you told what happened, why are you switching it up? That’s not right,” said Lewis’s friend, Saiveonna McNary.
“It’s insane. It’s nightmares. It’s scary,” said the victim’s cousin, Trina Bellmarkam.
Although it shares the same address as Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, a Six Flags spokesperson said they cannot share personnel files. They did, however, tell KRON4 they are cooperating with law enforcement on this case.
Following Shaw’s not guilty plea, the judge set a preliminary hearing for Nov. 18. Lewis’s supporters say they will be at every hearing to fight for justice for her.
Shaw remains in custody at the Solano County Jail.
