Matthew Lewinski, 42, has been sentenced to life in prison for the premeditated murder of his ex-girlfriend, Courtney "Jerri" Winters, 52. Lewinski strangled Winters in a bath at his apartment in Mount Clemens, Michigan, in 2020, and then lived with her corpse for months while attempting to dispose of the body.
Discovery of the Crime
The horrific crime came to light when Lewinski was found walking around his block of flats in his underwear and taken to hospital. When his family entered his apartment to check on him, they discovered Winters' remains in the basement. Police were alerted, and Lewinski confessed from his hospital bed.
Trial and Verdict
Following a five-day trial in Macomb County, Michigan, a jury found Lewinski guilty of premeditated murder, disinterment and mutilation of a dead body, and concealing the death of an individual. The court heard that the couple, who had already separated, argued when Winters visited Lewinski's home and told him she had had an abortion. Slaps were exchanged, and Winters bit Lewinski before he strangled her.
Sentencing and Impact
During sentencing, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said: "This sentence represents the final chapter in a long and difficult pursuit of justice for Jerri Winters and her loved ones. I commend the dedication and perseverance of the prosecutors, investigators, and everyone involved who remained committed to holding the defendant accountable. While no outcome can erase the pain of losing a loved one, we hope this resolution provides the victim's family with a sense of closure and peace as they continue to move forward."
Winters was never reported missing between her death in 2020 and the discovery of her body. Lewinski initially left her body in a bath before moving it to the basement, where he removed parts of her body in an attempt to conceal and dispose of it.
