A Michigan man has been found guilty of murdering his former girlfriend in a shocking case that remained hidden for months before her remains were discovered inside a condo basement. Prosecutors said the victim, Courtney “Jerri” Winters, was strangled during an argument before her body was moved and concealed.
The disturbing case, which dates back to December 2020, ended this week with a jury convicting 42-year-old Matthew Lewinski of multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder.
Michigan Man Convicted of Killing Ex-Girlfriend
Matthew Lewinski was convicted on Thursday after prosecutors proved he killed his former girlfriend, Courtney “Jerri” Winters, inside the condo they once shared in Clinton Township, Michigan.
According to court testimony, Winters visited Lewinski about a month after the couple had broken up. During the visit, she reportedly told him she had undergone an abortion.
Investigators said the conversation later turned into a heated argument that became violent.
Argument Turned Deadly Inside Condo
Prosecutors told the court that Winters was sitting in an armchair while Lewinski prepared tea in the kitchen.
The pair allegedly argued before the situation became physical. Court records stated that Winters bit Lewinski during the altercation.
Authorities said Lewinski then strangled Winters until she became unconscious and died.
The prosecution argued that strangulation takes several minutes, showing that the act involved intentional violence rather than a sudden accident.
Human Remains Found Months Later
The crime remained hidden for several months before shocking discoveries were made in July 2021.
According to testimony from Lewinski’s sister, Debra Federico, the condo association contacted her because the condo lights had been left on while Lewinski was in hospital.
Federico and other family members entered the condo searching for a Christmas decoration but instead discovered human remains in the basement.
Police later confirmed the decomposing remains belonged to a woman.
Investigators Describe Disturbing Crime Scene
Authorities described the scene as deeply disturbing.
The body was reportedly found nude, lying face down in the basement. Investigators also noticed signs that parts of the skin had been removed.
Police said they discovered blood, bleach bottles, rubber gloves, and a knife inside the basement area.
After interviewing Lewinski at the hospital, investigators said he confessed to killing Winters.
Defense Claimed Lewinski ‘Snapped’
During the trial, Lewinski’s defense team argued that he had experienced emotional abuse during the relationship.
His lawyers claimed Winters regularly threatened him and said he “snapped” emotionally after learning about the abortion.
The defense also discussed Winters’ past legal troubles and difficult family relationships in an effort to influence the jury.
However, prosecutors strongly disagreed with those arguments.
Prosecutors Say Evidence Showed Control and Premeditation
The prosecution argued that witnesses described Lewinski as the controlling person in the relationship.
They also pointed to the act of strangulation as proof of deliberate intent.
In court, prosecutors reportedly said strangulation requires sustained force over several minutes, making it clear the killing was intentional.
They rejected the defense argument that the crime happened suddenly without thought.
Lewinski Faces Life in Prison
Matthew Lewinski was ultimately convicted of:
- First-degree murder
- Mutilation of a body
- Concealing a body
He now faces a possible life sentence in prison.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 14.
The tragic case has left many people shocked due to the horrifying details and the length of time the crime remained hidden. What began as a visit between former partners ended in violence, death, and a disturbing attempt to conceal the crime. With the guilty verdict now delivered, the victim’s loved ones may finally begin to see justice after years of waiting for answers.
