Michigan: Man Strangled Ex-Girlfriend, Then Lived with Her Corpse for Months

In a chilling case that has shocked the community, a Michigan man has been sentenced to life behind bars for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, whose body he reportedly concealed in his home for several months. Matthew Lewinski, 42, received his sentence on July 14, 2026, after being convicted of first-degree murder in the tragic death of 52-year-old Courtney “Jerri” Winters.

 

The harrowing events unfolded in December 2020 when Winters visited Lewinski’s residence. According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, their reunion quickly escalated into a violent confrontation after Winters revealed she had undergone an abortion. What began as a verbal altercation turned physical, culminating in Lewinski allegedly strangling Winters to death. Following the murder, he initially placed her body in the bathtub before moving it to the basement, where it remained hidden for months.

 

Despite his attempts to dispose of evidence, Lewinski’s actions would ultimately lead to his downfall. In July 2021, he was found wandering his condo complex in a disoriented state, leading to his hospitalization. It was during this time that his sister discovered Winters’ remains at his home, prompting an investigation that would unravel the grim details of the case.

Lewinski faced charges not only for murder but also for disinterment and mutilation of a corpse, as well as concealing a death. His confession to police while in the hospital became a contentious issue during the trial, with Lewinski arguing that he had not been properly informed of his rights. Although the trial court initially dismissed his confession, the Michigan Court of Appeals later reinstated it, adding complexity to the proceedings.

 

Remarkably, Winters was never reported missing during the time between her death and the grim discovery of her body, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding their relationship. The case serves as a haunting reminder of the darker aspects of domestic disputes and the tragic outcomes they can lead to.

 

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 crime, one must wonder: how can we better support those in vulnerable situations?