Seeking healing; One year after a horrific murder families and friends honor those lost | Westside Seattle
The families and friends of Austin Wenner and Jessica Lewis who were murdered in June 2020, came to Anchor Park on Alki Ave SW on June 10 to commemorate their loss by floating lanterns in the water.
Photo by Patrick Robinson
06/10/2021
Austin "Cash" Wenner and Jessica Lewis were murdered last June.
Micheal Lee Dudley, 63, was charged with double homicide in August and remains in jail on a $5 million bail.
On June 9, a small group gathered to commemorate and honor the couple by writing messages on floating lanterns and floating them on the water.
Wenner's mother Charleen Kriens with help from Lewis's Aunt Gina Jaschke organized the event.
Kriens said, "They are safe now, and with each other. God brought them to this place."
Lewis's parents Patty and Rocky could not be there but Gina shared this message,
"My brother's grief for his only daughter, is something that can't be put into words. On behalf of our family, I just want to thank the kind people of Seattle, for helping look out for the Memorial of Austin and Jessica down on Alki.
Austin and Jessica too, helped others and they would want to say Thank You themselves. But unfortunately the sad reality is, they never will be able to themselves. Instead some depraved old man awaits trial for their murders. Somebody, who lived 2 very different lives gets to breathe the air around him. But not our beloved children. The wheels of justice will continue to spin round in this case and his accomplices are next up. Because we won't have it any other way, but for ALL those who partook in their deaths, and who helped hide this horrific crime- to hold each one accountable. Jessica and Austin washed up on this beach, because they wanted to be found. And they are watching down, protecting those they love, with a fire and pierce to those whose number's up next in this whole ordeal. You're angels now Austin and Jessica. Always and forever together. We will never forget."
