Guys, we found a a suitcase at the [laughter] >> Wait, open it. >> This group of teenagers has just stumbled across a suitcase in the middle of one of Seattle's most popular beaches. For days, this very suitcase had been hidden in plain sight with no one suspecting anything out of the ordinary until now. Because these teens will be left horrified with its contents. >> It stinks, y'all. [screaming] Inside were the bodies of Austin Warner and Jessica Lewis, left abandoned and alone. After weeks of investigating this crime, detectives will zero in on one man they suspect to be behind it all. Landlord Michael Lee Dudley. >> So, and you were happy with them living there? >> Well, I would have been happier if they paid rent. >> Michael has done his best to cover his tracks, which means detectives need to get to the bottom of this double homicide before this old man slips away. Right now, you are under arrest right now. >> What for? Wait a minute. Are you out of your mind? Are you saying that I killed them? >> On June 19th, 2020, teenagers looking for adventure on a warm summer day in Seattle, Washington. Use the app Rando Nautica to explore their town. If you're not aware, Randon Nautica is a find your adventure app that gives you random coordinates in your local area, encouraging people to explore places they've never been before. On that afternoon, this group of teens followed the coordinates to a dock on Alkai Beach. There, they discovered a suitcase floating in the water. Curious as to what was inside, the group [music] worked together to unzip it. And what they found inside prompted a call to law enforcement. >> Guys, we found [laughter] a suitcase that >> Gabby, I'll hold your stuff. >> I don't know. [laughter] >> Wait, open it. >> Open it. asleep. >> It stinks, y'all. >> Hey, watch. >> Okay, so she Okay, so she's calling the police so we can see if it's actually a dead body or it's just food. >> After several hours, police responded. [music] Because the tide had come in, they were forced to fish the suitcase out of the rising tide [music] and managed to bring it up onto land just in time. Inside they found two sets of partial human remains. Just 2 days later they found more remains in a separate suitcase located along the Dwarmish River. It was obviously a homicide. But who were the victims and how many did they have? After several days, police were able to identify the deceased as Austin Warner and Jessica Lewis, a young couple who had been last heard from sometime in late May. An investigation into their past and long discussions with their family led police to their first and most likely suspect. Their former landlord, 62-year-old Michael Lee Dudley, who was reportedly the last person to see them. And not just the last [music] person to see them, but a person they clearly feared. Because just weeks before Austin and Jessica's bodies were found, they told a close friend [music] that if something happened to them, Mike was behind it. And you're about to see why. >> Detective Paul. >> So, you have no idea what this is about. >> Uh, am I under arrest? You said I was under >> technically you're under arrest. That's why you're here. >> When am I under arrest? >> Well, we're investigating the death. So, a couple people that's supposed to have been staying at your place. >> Are you talking about lost? >> Yeah. So, technically to bring you in here, you're under arrest >> for what? for the related to their death investigation of homicide. Wait, are you out of your mind? You're saying I killed them? >> Well, that's what I want to talk to you about. [snorts] If you didn't do it, then >> I didn't do it. >> Okay, >> they're my friends. >> Okay, then. Okay, people are saying you had something to do with it. >> Who's saying that? >> I'm going to explain all this to you. Okay, >> but that's why you're here. You're asking. I'm trying to answer your questions. Okay. Thank you. >> Take a breath. Okay. I just need to ask questions. That's all you have. >> Well, I got a question for you. Why did you come ask me this like a month ago? >> Because we are investigating things and people are coming forward and telling us stuff. So before I come to you, it's not one of these things where it's like when people talk bad about my partner, I'm going to go talk to my partner like, "Hey, they're saying this is a serious matter, right?" >> Yeah. Okay. So, if people are pointing the finger at you, I'm going to see what everybody has to say first and then we're going to talk to you. >> I would think that if they had been living there, you would just come talk to me first. >> Well, and and who are these people? A number of people. Okay. I'm just I can't tell you who who it is, but it's people that know you that have been up on your property and things like that. So, let me let you know what's going on. [clears throat] Well, the woman next door, let me finish. I first of all, I I understand you have problems with her. I'm not going to I can't tell you who's talking to me just because that's part of my investigation. We don't do that. We don't involve that. But listen, I'm going to explain to you um the reason you're here is because uh we took you into custody, bringing you in to talk to you. At the same time, I served a warrant on your residence and I >> I figured before I've been sitting here all day, right? >> Exactly. I have forensic people out there going through your property and things like that. Okay. Um, and I just want to get how much you know about uh Austin and Jessica that lived with you because apparently that's that's the last place they were seen alive. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I just want to make sure Austin. Mhm. >> Okay. I just want to make sure we know who we're talking about. >> Um, it looks like her. It looks a little different. Uh, but >> it's a bookie photo. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. I know. >> And it's 2017. It's three years old. >> Change. Um, >> makeup. >> Yeah. And I just want to make sure I always throw easy one in there. Who's that? That's me. >> Okay. Without glasses. And who's that? That looks [snorts] like an old photo of his aunt Renee. >> Okay. Um you're right. So, um let me ask you, when did um Austin just move in with you? >> Oh god. Um twice. Twice. Uh [gasps] re start with this one. Um >> first of all, well, let me ask you this. How did you meet them? >> Uh Renee. >> Renee was Austin's aunt, a woman who both Austin and Jessica had a very close relationship with. You see, both Austin and Jessica struggled with substance use disorder, and as a result, they were homeless. wanting to help them. In early 2020, Renee suggested they move into Michael's home after she moved out. Michael ran his house as an Airbnb from time to time, but also had long-term tenants who helped run the Airbnb in order to get a lower rent. Renee was the original tenant helping with the Airbnb and offered Austin and Jessica up as her replacement. For Austin and Jessica, the offer was a saving grace. They had no money, nowhere to go, and just the clothes on their back, which makes what happened to them even more devastating. But before we move on to the details, be sure to subscribe if you like watching killers like Mike get caught in their own lies. That's literally all we do here. ignore traffic. You just >> traffic's pretty except for when that idiot next door fires up his big hot rod all day long, you know. >> Guy to the north. >> Is that the guy to the north? >> Yeah, Rick. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Um and he's not that bad. He's just his wife. And uh yeah, I don't I was in Sacramento. I guess her and Renee, you know, locked horns or something. >> Oh, really? And uh you know I got Renee out of there and um actually moved her to Sacramento where she's doing well and she likes it. >> Yeah. >> And uh uh but his wife doesn't want to let go of the problem and she says really every time I turn him she's walking around with cameras or you know putting up uh signs on the boundary fence and you know fence law is really um you know specific. >> That's the woman to the north. >> Yeah. I mean, you can't post signs on boundary fences without I mean, it's >> Yeah. >> He thinks it's his fence, but it's not. It's a >> share share. >> Yeah. If you don't agree to it, then >> and there procedures. You just It's not your fence because you were there earlier. >> Real specific. >> You've done your research on this, haven't you? >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, kind of mellow, but um on it, you know, I try not to, you know, because I think, you know, Renee and her got into it. But, you know, fine. I took care of her as fast as I could. Uh, probably for the better of everyone. But she just doesn't let go. I mean, she's just uh every time I turn around. >> Um, so when Austin and Jessica were saying it, you weren't running Airbnb then, were you? >> Um, [clears throat and snorts] no. No, they were there. Uh, it was during the uh quarantine. >> Okay. >> Pretty much there for a little bit before the quarantine. I think like earlier in the year and um they took off and um and I got a call from him one day and um he had some car troubles down at Federal Way and uh I say something but I went down helped him out >> and he you know he's got the same drug issue as her >> not really my business okay >> but apparently hadn't slept in like seven days or something and was having trouble like staying on the road. >> So I figured it would probably be better for everybody if he just went sleep. >> Right. Right. So our room, you know, the bedroom and uh then um then the quarantine hit and we couldn't go anywhere. And >> you were kind of stuck with him. >> Yeah. [laughter] Um, so he but he and Jessica moved into your place then or they were end up staying there during the quarantine. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. [clears throat] And which room uh would be >> they had they had both rooms at one point. Um uh I think the last one was the blue room. >> Okay. Jessica and Austin stayed in what is referred to as the blue bedroom, which you will hear police refer to several times. Initially, from an outside perspective, Michael seemed like a great guy and the perfect landlord. He drove Jessica and Austin to job interviews, and he even called their family members to update them on how they were doing. But he wasn't being quite as helpful as he claimed. Because while Austin and Jessica weren't paying rent, they were paying for being there in other ways. and eventually they paid with their lives. >> Okay. Um so you know, of course everybody's saying that's the last place they were there and um that you were angry at him and you wanted him out of there and um that you own a gun and that you're ex SEAL. There's all sorts of talk about you, dude. Uh so I mean that's so technically you know I need need to bring in investigation of and find out what your story is. I mean, are you an ex? >> No. >> Okay. Ever been in the military? >> I was a Navy Pratt. I was born in a naval base. >> Oh, so when Austin and Jessica were staying there, I mean, anybody else stand there when you guys were you guys were just on lockdown? >> Uh, we were just kind of on lockdown. >> Okay. Um, did you have any problems with Austin at all? I mean, >> uh, the biggest problem I had with him was stealing. >> Mhm. Everybody says he he would steal anything if it wasn't lying. He was a freaking prolific thief and user and his habit was to uh uh steal enough to get it back. >> Mhm. >> Do it then go steal something else and do it again. And I'm not the judge to people, right? You know, I'm not, you know, far be it. >> Um but, you know, I told him, you know, this is not a trap shot. >> Mhm. What did he steal from you? Oh, he didn't steal anything from me in particular other than he would break things. >> You know, where's my tools or whatever, >> but you know, I would piss me off to come out and find like, you know, uh not my tools, but someone else's tools out there. >> That's a problem. >> You know, that I don't like, you know, that could be, you know, I mean, I >> Yeah. Um but, you know, uh we had worried about that. And I told him how I felt that, you know, when I buy something, I earn it and I appreciate it. I take care of it. And um I'm sure whoever, you know, had that where he got it, you know, and then he would change his tactics like, "Oh, I traded this for that." and just, you know, uh I I try very hard to um uh set an example for him and get him to uh give him opportunities to, you know, make the right choices and cuz and I don't expect anybody to just like, you know, say hey. But uh he was coming around, but he was playing with some very dangerous uh games. >> What do you mean? like you know uh gangster gangster stuff and um you know he kind of >> Did he ever bring anyone out to the house your house? >> He was very I don't know that no he was based you know he didn't want anyone to know where he was laying his head. [snorts] >> Oh okay. Where they where he was laying his head. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um did anybody ever come to your place give you heat for him or anything like that? >> Did what? cause any heat for you and it brought any grief in your life for those guys being out there? >> Oh, um, no. Uh, not that I can really think of. >> Did you really bring any trouble back to your house? Right. >> Uh, no. Mostly just stolen cars. >> Stolen cars? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Prolific, >> huh? >> One or two a week? >> Yeah. >> Um, that was concerning. >> Yeah. Um, do you remember an incident where someone left a bullet in your guy's mailbox for him with his name on it? >> Yeah, I found out. Yeah. >> Tell me about that. >> Um, >> I only asked that because, you know, we just talked to Renee and Rene relayed that story to me. >> You just now talked to >> uh just not too long ago. >> So, >> um, yeah, I was kind of surprised she didn't call her first. Um, >> remember what kind of round it was? [clears throat] >> Caliber. um to rifle around. >> Austin was allegedly stealing cars, but it wasn't to fuel his addiction. Not solely, at least. It was to fund Michael's. You see, according to several friends of Austin and Jessica, Michael ordered Austin and Jessica to go do jobs for him. These jobs included stealing cars, car parts, and retail goods from businesses and people of Michael's choosing. Michael would then sell them in an online marketplace and use that money to fund his own drug addiction. A drug addiction that you will repeatedly hear him deny having. >> So, I mean, besides that, anybody else ever come up there and uh cause grief to uh Austin or Jessica or anything? >> No, he he was very private and secretive and I don't recall. I mean, he was like, you know, didn't want people to know where he was. he had some issues with and like I told I don't want to know you know I don't got time for all this you know >> I agree with you >> uh but you know again we were quarantined together and you know uh uh you know it uh um got to know him pretty good you know and her got to know them both pretty good >> and um He, like I said, he that's what he did. He stole. >> Mhm. >> You know, he would prefer to do that over work. And um uh there's a lot of people that uh um uh probably would have wanted him dead. Put it that way. Remember the stories he was telling me like trying to steal a truckload of tools down there in K. They someone came out with AK fully. He said fully automatic AK-47. >> This is what he told you. >> That's what he was telling me. >> He was telling me like um how he uh uh he bags some drugs from the some Mexican cartel. Well, he's always talking about like, you know, one one thing was either the cartel, the Kent hoodlams and or the Kent police. I mean, it's just, you know, that was his three main things. >> Um, but, uh, you know, he'd go on and on about, you know, his conspiracies and this and that. Uh, but then he said, "Oh, no, no, it wasn't [snorts] Mexicans. with uh Samoans. Okay. >> And if I got this right, it's going to be he robbed the Samoans who robbed the Mexicans who owed money to some cartel. >> Wow. >> And take it take a little >> Did he say what he what he robbed from this moment? >> He said it was um like duffel bags full of >> Okay. >> which Yeah. I think he took it to me and and I said, "I don't want to know this. I don't don't talk to me about this. This is not part of my life." You know, >> how long ago was that? >> That was uh lose track of time. Um we're in August. >> August 19th. month fast. um August. I keep wanting to say May, but I I'm just pulling that out of my head. It was um he was talking about for a long time. It's like uh like he was stalking these people and then uh uh he tried to get me to come help him. I said no. Um >> yeah, it might have gone on from May to um May, June, May, June, July, something like that. >> Okay. >> Like, you know, it's like >> Do you ever give names or anything of who we crossed? >> They did, but I don't remember. Uh I'm really bad with names and I don't want to know. >> No. Yeah. Um, I heard >> he said like the big hunt show surprisingly lived close by and I [clears throat] think he said aid I don't but that I didn't I haven't met any of these people. Don't know any of them. Don't want to know any of them. Don't want them on my property. Don't want them don't you know. >> Do you ever show up? Has a ever been on your property? >> This guy I don't want I wouldn't know him. >> Okay. Um, I think the only Simone's ever been on my property were when I built had the driveway put in. >> This might go without saying, but there is absolutely no evidence that Austin had any involvement with the cartel or a Samoan gang. But for our boomer here, that's apparently the scariest, most believable thing he could come up with. Except for police, it's nothing but an eye roller. >> So, I just talked to some of my forensics people out there at your house. Okay. So, [clears throat and cough] no one else was staying there during this the quarantine time with you guys except you, Jessica, um Austin. Was Renee there or is >> Okay. So, it's just the three of you. >> Um I got to ask you, you ever shoot your gun in your house? >> Uh [sighs] I have occasionally. Uh uh um I think they admitted I had a misfire. >> Okay. >> Sometimes. But >> can you explain [clears throat] that to me? >> I'm happy. >> I I Well, I know. But uh >> we're playing around with it. Um >> the reason um the reason I asked is, you know, my forensic people, they're finding stuff >> and I mean and it's like, hey, we >> Well, you know, that thing's been there for like 50 years, too. Every New Year's and Fourth of July, stuff comes rolling rolling down through the roof. I've got at least two >> two uh whole roof holes there. >> Okay. >> Needing repair, but um uh what are your friends people finding? I mean, >> well, they're in the blue room >> and they there's um they said there's a bullet there's two bullet strikes on the wooden bed frame. >> So, I'm like, >> okay. >> Yeah. So, can I mean >> Yeah. >> Can you explain that? >> I've had that I got that from my friend Tom and >> um you know been there for a long time. >> For how long? >> I don't know how long but you know. >> Okay. >> I got to use >> Yeah. >> And it's been around for a long time. So, um but I don't know what that has to do with anything. >> Well, again, we're looking for any sign. I mean, knowing that that that's the last place they were seen alive and trying to figure out which room they were in. You're saying the blue room. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Can you see where to me as an investigator, it's like I got a a bed frame here and there's bullet strikes on the bed frame. >> Okay. Did you see anything about them in the news about uh >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. So, what did you see all about in the news about that? Uh, I've heard something about uh Alkai Beach and uh washed up in suitcase full of garbage bags or something. >> Okay. And did you hear anything about cause of death or anything like you know they've been shot or anything like that? >> Yeah, I read something about that. Yeah. >> Okay. So, with that being said, people are like pointing the finger at you. I go out there. I'm getting >> point finger at me. >> People that that know you that maybe don't like you. Okay. So, I'm just >> who doesn't like me? >> Well, again, well, we all there not everybody likes everybody. Okay, there's people that don't like story. >> Well, I can't Again, I told you I'm not going to tell you who it is. I can't do that. But at the same time, >> uh with that being said, I mean, uh I I have people call me. He said, "Well, Cooper, you got you got bullet strikes in this blue room in the bed frame." >> Okay. And uh >> what was it? What does that mean? Well, I'm asking you because I'm asking you, do you recall your gun to being discharged in that room at at any time? >> Oh, no. No. Um, no. I said it's more like the living room. >> Okay. Anybody else discharged guns in your house that you're known? >> Not my knowledge. Austin always carried a um sold off shotgun with him and Jessica had a pistol in her purse time. >> Oh, really? >> Okay. Um, and no one has anybody ever been injured in that room or anything because I mean there's blood in the room, too. >> Um, well, yeah. I mean, Jessica cut her uh uh 18 stitches in her thigh when she was mocking around with a uh one of these uh they call them pressure washers that you come up with. Oh yeah, that'll do it. >> Had to um Yeah. >> How long ago was that? >> I don't know. Um sometime I just, you know, they went up to Highline Hospital. She got 18 stitches. >> Okay. >> The blood going everywhere. >> Okay. Um so that blood could be hers. >> I don't know. >> Okay. >> You know, and he uh he went through all my first aid kits what he was doing with them. >> Who? >> Austin. Austin. >> Hopefully, he wasn't shooting up. I would have a problem with that. >> After Austin and Jessica disappeared, Michael didn't skip a beat before he moved someone new into the home. When she got an initial tour of the property, she allegedly noticed blood pulled on a shirt in the corner of the blue bedroom. She also noticed a bullet lodged into the wall and saw that Michael at the time had scratches all over his arms and face. Michael told her to wait for him to tidy up before she moved in. She waited longer than that and didn't move in at all, which given the scene was a pretty logical move. >> Okay. Um I also have cadaavver dogs out there. You know what a cadaavver dog is, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And they're they're alerting down in the basement and stuff like that >> to stuff and there's [snorts] some stains down there and stuff like that. I'm just telling you what and that. I'm trying to I'm like you see you can explain in that >> I have not. So is it >> is a freaking disaster. >> Okay. Is there a chance uh you bled down there? Anybody bled down there? >> I'm just where I work and sleep a lot of times is down there. >> Okay. >> And uh what do you talk about blood or >> Well, can dogs sit on >> age or No. >> Anything anything that's uh usually they they're trained to hit on humanity of the body. >> Uh I don't know what that is. >> Well, when you die, you start to >> Well, yeah. So, that So, I'm I'm asking if there's a reason why these animals >> bodies in my basement. I'm sure of that. Okay. that way >> even in the chicken coop or anything like that. >> You go have a look. There was there is a couple other things I did want to uh talk to you about or you know see if you're aware of but I am a little concerned. You said I am under arrest. >> Technically you're under arrest. Yeah. >> Or >> investigation of homicide. >> What does that mean? I mean >> that means you haven't been charged with a crime. >> Okay. I was going to say >> when it says investigation of that means that's why you're here. We're investigating it and that's why I'm questioning you and that's why I'm asking you about the strikes and the [sighs and gasps] >> the blood stuff and everything like that. >> Yeah. I don't know. Um so, uh but u couple things that I think you should uh you know I probably should but I want >> It's your choice. >> Well, no. Um I you need to know uh some of this. I mean, they were my friends. Uh >> um >> I'm really just surprised that, you know, I haven't seen you now, and I'm really kind of surprised by the dramatic fashion that, you know, you could have just come and knocked on the damn door, >> you know. Um yes and no. You just when there's other information that, you know, we believe someone might have been involved based on what people are telling us, >> um you got to put yourself in my shoes. You know, I got to see what she knocked on the door. I mean, excessive drama. I thought that anyway. Anyway, I not I'm not judging. I'm just >> Thank you. Thank you. Trust me, I follow the protocols. >> Yeah. Okay. You know, I don't know. I just uh I just I had to That's my feedback. >> Just what every cop wants. Feedback on how they arrested you for a homicide. But Mikey Boy here is about to get some feedback of his own. how bad of a job he did covering up two murders and how much worse of a job he's doing lying about it. >> You remember having a conversation with your dad? With Austin's dad? >> Yeah. Yeah, nice guy. >> Yeah, he is a nice guy. >> I I I wonder how they, you know, have you done DNA tests to make sure they're related? [laughter] >> His dad is His dad is a nice guy. You're right. That's a good one. I mean they're just like so opposite that um yeah I just don't you know I just scratched my head. Um, >> so we talked to him. I mean, when we started, we started doing them. So once we had him, we started kind of doing like a backtrack history thing on him. And dad's like, "Well, I went out to Mike's place on off Among >> U looking for him." >> And, uh, he's like, "Well, he left in a huff, >> um, etc., etc." And he says, "As I was leaving, I saw at his garbage dumpster, you know, clothes that I was pretty sure it was my kids clothes." And I just thought that was really odd. And >> oh, they left garbage. I mean um well I I got a lot of garbage, a lot of clothes because a lot of I don't understand where they come from or where, but um I think his aunt had a lot to do with it. But yeah, they um >> Renee. >> Oh yeah, she was kind of a fashionista. Um and I'm just now trying to you know get rid of some of the crap in the basement. I don't even know whose it is or where it came from, >> right? But um um yeah, they they've left a ton of um crap, clothes, and just Uh and uh you know, I skipped out on the rent. So, >> was they weren't paying you rent? >> Uh they made kind of an effort to pay rent. >> What was the rent? How much were they supposed to pay? wasn't even close to what you know what would you know they would come up with like uh three $400 maybe you know once or twice a month and throw in food stamps and do some work >> was there a set amount or >> uh it was 1,500 >> 1,500 didn't have no contract that's you know that's like a third of you know that's a cost. >> Yeah that's right >> and they and so it's 1,500 for two not just one per room. >> Oh per room. So, when was the last time you guys you saw these guys alive? >> Oh, god. Um, I can't I I don't know the exact date. >> I I don't don't know. I just, you know, I haven't been really >> keeping track. I'd have to try to see and try to figure it out. But, um, >> like maybe a month and a half ago. I'm just guessing. I don't know. >> Do you remember? I mean, do you remember police coming to your property ever? They come all the time and next door calls them every time I have a person of color over. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> She called them because of the uh uh auction cars, >> right? >> Um you know, I had I had to get them home get them out of the auction yard by the weekend. So, I'm all lined up out there in the yard. >> What's your yard? >> Yes. Well, apparently it's a code violation and I got till the 17th to get them down to four cars and not in the yard all on concrete or face a $250 fine. >> Oh, I didn't know that. >> Well, I didn't either, but you know, that's what the code person said. So, you know, I complied. Um, and yeah, that busted my I did. I got them all registered, licensed. >> Uh uh I moved some of them out on the street out front and she called yesterday on it. Uh called complain about them being abandoned vehicles. And uh [snorts] uh yeah, I was sitting there could I'm sure she's poisoning my chickens. I think the third third one >> How many chickens do you have left there? >> I think I got five or six left. five. >> Um I've had three of them die in the last uh two, three weeks, which is I mean that's unusual. First one I thought was >> Chickens are pretty hearty, too. >> Yeah. Uh sometimes you poison them. [clears throat] >> Anyone who has had chickens can tell you it seems like their mission in life to die in strange sudden ways. But Michael fully believed that his chicken's death was the result of his neighbor poisoning them, not a virus like the bird flu, which was in the midst of an epidemic during this interrogation, not some kind of other disease, and not the sheer fact that they are the reason the term birdrained exists. Michael's love of his animals and belief that others are out to get them went to extreme levels. When his beloved dog passed away, he slept with the dog in his room for several days before he moved the dog's body to the freezer, which isn't exactly a healthy response to grief. His previous roommate, a woman named Shelley, left her dogs with Michael while she went on vacation. When she returned, one of her dogs was missing. Michael told her nonchalantly that he killed her dog because the dog had attacked one of his hen's baby chicks. He told her it was an eye for an eye and didn't see anything wrong with it. She promptly cut contact and never spoke with him again. >> So, let me ask you if if you had to guess or surmise what happened to Austin, Jessica, I mean I mean they're they're dead. So, they met they met their end with by homicidal means for whatever reason. I mean, any idea what happened? I mean, when you heard about this, did any thought go through your head as far as what >> uh you know, I felt kind of sad, but also um like that was the gangster lifestyle he was living. And I tried to tell him, you know, that's kind of like, you know, it don't it don't work out well. You know, it's not happily ever after. >> So, you didn't have a beef with him at all? >> Oh, I had little beefs with him, you know. I was, you know, always, you know. >> Well, I mean, like a bee for >> She's my friend. He's my friend. >> So, and you were happy with them living there. >> Um, well, I would have been happier if you know they hadn't like brought stolen cars and did all day and paid rent >> and paid rent, you know. So, I I can't say Yeah. I can't say I'm really, you know, overjoyed, but they were good people. I mean, uh, you know, uh, she she cook and bring their food stamps in and, you know, we get along great, you know, without the outside world there. Uh, there was two other things, um, I had for you. >> Okay. >> Um, oh, the one I forgot. Um, no. Um, oh, that's one. And then um so [snorts] oh okay so you're asking um you know we had advice uh our biggest most heated argument between Austin and I was you know like what are you going to do when the quarantine's over >> what he was going to do. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Is I told him you know uh when I have to start shelling out you're going to have to start shelling out >> right. >> And it's not you know the amount you're used to. Uh, so we that that was a heated argument we had on that and he got a real nasty on me on that one. >> Okay. >> I actually considered uh filing a uh restraining order or something on him. >> So would you want him out of there then or were you trying to get him out? >> No, I just uh to protect myself. >> I mean if you get a restraining order he needs to get out of >> Well, yeah. That's why I didn't do it. Um, uh, you know, a couple we just calm down afterwards, you know, just too, you know, we're just bucking hard. [snorts] >> So, Mike, all right. I mean, so, how many ADs have you had up in your house? Accidental discharges. What's your gun? >> I don't know. [snorts] >> Okay. I'm trying to understand why my people are telling me they're finding bullet holes, bullet strikes in the blue room and they're about to cut a hole in the wall to retrieve a bullet. >> I don't think I've had any in the blue room. >> Okay. The ones you had was it with your uh Sig? >> No, my Betta. >> Your Betta? Okay. >> I don't have it anymore. I mean, they're they're finding blood, blood swipes, things like that. Um, they just they just sprayed lumininal in your room or in the blue room. They're probably going to do your bedroom. You know, if there's any traces of blood or anything, that stuff is going to pop up. Even if you paint over stuff or anything like that, >> what does that mean? I mean, >> well, I'm asking you because look, let me ask you. Uh, did you have you had the police out on your property investigating shots fired call before? >> No. >> Never. >> Never. Because I did a history check with the King County Police Department >> and on the 9th of June, >> huh, >> they came to your house because there was neighbors had reported shots being fired inside your house. I said I didn't call him. And >> well, of course you're not going to call him because it came from inside your house. >> But I'm asking, do you remember that? >> No. >> Okay. Anybody else inside your house that would be firing guns? >> No. >> Okay. Um, so you don't remember the cops coming there in the evening? >> You don't remember the cops coming on the 9th of June to your house? No, never knocking on the door. Never saw or talk to any cops. >> Okay. If they came and knocked on the door, would you answer? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. >> On June 9th, 2020, police received a call from Michael's neighbor. You know, the one he keeps calling the b- word that YouTube won't let us utter. The neighbor didn't just call once, she called twice. The first time she told police that she heard several gunshots and then screaming. Someone was calling out for help. When police arrived, they knocked on the door to the residence. No one responded. So, you know what they did? They left. Inside were Jessica and Austin. At that point, they may have still been clinging to life. And Mike here still believes he deserves to go home. >> You have video system in your house? Video security system? >> I have a camera. Yeah. >> Okay. Uh, what's the retention period on it? >> 30 days. >> 30 days, I think. Okay. Um, you know, there's a reason we don't when people start pointing the finger at people that I mean Austin and Jessica lived at your place. That was the last place they lived at. They actually told people something bad happened to me. You know, this Mike did to me. I'm just telling you. >> Where were you? >> Well, his mom told me that. Who? >> Austin's moss. >> Austin's mom. So you what? >> What part of I just said that? You don't understand. >> I did to them. >> Uhhuh. If something ever happened to him. >> Mike did What does that mean? >> You tell me. >> I don't know. [clears throat] >> They said if anything bad ever happened to us, look at Mike. >> Why would they even >> I don't know. That's why I'm asking you. That should >> Why would they say that to her? Have you talked to Renee about her sister at all? >> Yeah. >> What did she have to say about that? >> Well, I'm not going to go into what she told me or anything like that. >> She told me not to talk to her sister cuz she's bonkers. So, I I I don't I know. I can't I can't help I can't help with that. I don't know what you're talking about. >> Okay. >> That I never That's just out of character. >> Okay. So it So when we test the blood in those rooms and stuff, they're not going to come back to Jessica or or >> I don't know how I mean how would I know? I'm not >> Well, it's your house person. >> They live there. >> Yeah. >> Why? Yeah. I don't I don't know. You're asking me to speculate and I I can't. I don't even know what it means, you know. >> Okay. I mean, I'm trying to get your side of the story. If something happened to them there, and you know something about it, this is probably the time you want to tell us. Uh I [snorts] what can I say? I didn't kill them and uh I don't know what happened to them >> and uh uh I just I I'm trying to cooperate with you here, but you know, you're throwing like >> speculative he said, she said. >> I'm not throwing specul. I know there was something that happened on the night there at that at your house. Um, and there's people that don't even know you that that call that in. Okay. And I um I I just was hoping that you be able to put some clarity on it as far as what what happened that night. >> No, I I don't recall, you know, I never talked or saw any footage uh that uh um No, that >> Okay. You weren't out of town or anything, were you? No. >> Okay. >> No, no. I mean, that was in quarantine. >> Okay. So, more than likely you were home. >> Uh, yeah. Home or close by? I don't know. >> Okay. Um, and it's just you three. >> Yeah. >> So, Mike, when did you find out about Austin and Jessica's death? How How did you find >> Um, I think Richie called me. Richie >> talked to uh um Renee. >> Renee, >> did you see it on the news at all? >> Well, I saw the news after that. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, that is a question. Why didn't you call the police? You >> I was waiting for you guys to call me in. I figured you'd be right there. >> Well, we didn't call. Why? Why didn't you call? Uh well, there's really nothing to report other I figured, you know, you'd be there. Isn't that part of your standard procedure? >> Yeah. >> I was kind of sitting there like wonder why, you know, where the hell you guys have been, >> but you just sat here for the last hour or so talking about how they're good. You're good friends. >> Yeah. >> And you heard what happened to him and how brutal it was. I I just >> Yeah. I I think Takamoto has a good point. It's like um I mean if they were such good friends and everything like that. >> I mean >> because a lot of people that that were good friends that hadn't even talked to either of them for two or three years reached out to us. >> Well, you know uh I suppose part of it was you know that um uh I thought you guys would be coming right along >> pretty quick and I but >> when we didn't and I start wondering what the hell is going on. [clears throat] I mean, there were people that knew them less than you did. I mean, you you pretty much roommed with them. They lived with you. >> I had a guy that I figured you >> I had a guy from where the hell you guys were. >> I had a guy from Eastern Washington that hadn't talked to him for four years and called us. >> So, I mean, do you see why we're kind of perplexed? >> Well, I was perplexed, too. I mean, you know, I was expecting you guys, you know, at least on TV that's what they do. They come along, you know. >> Mhm. >> I mean, I had nothing to add to it. So, >> let me ask you, since Austin and Jessica have been gone, have you thrown away all their stuff and gotten rid of everything? >> Oh, they um uh let me think. There might be some stuff still in the basement, but um uh yeah, most of the most of what they left behind was just pure rubbish. Garbage. >> The problem with Michael framing all the items as garbage is that Austin's father saw the items left behind with his own eyes. And it was everything that Austin owned. When you're homeless, every sweater, every blanket, every pair of socks matters. Neither Austin or Jessica wouldn't have left Michael's house without taking their belongings with them. They didn't have a storage unit or a vehicle or relatives house that they kept anything at. What was in that room was all of their worldly possessions. >> You know, I'm not trying to steer a red herring or anything, but uh uh and you're the professional. It's not me. So, I'm not trying to tell you how to do your job. I >> appreciate that. >> I'm just telling you what really, you know, you asked why I didn't reach out. Well, this scared me more than uh I felt there's more to contribute there than than uh uh with Austin and him cuz you know basically there were so many people he he burned that um just take a number and get in line. I mean >> were you in that line? >> No, not not particularly. I mean >> Okay. Uh, you know, I don't deal drugs and I, you know, don't carry lots of cash and, you know, all all I do is rent rooms and work on computers. >> And my CSI people are saying they're finding drug paraphernalia out there. Um, do you recreationally use anything like that? Yes or no? >> I have. >> I'm asking because that way that explains why it's there. That's And all the questions I'm asking you is for get clarity from you. >> Yeah. No, I'm I'm straightforward with it. >> Okay. >> Um, you know, I say I'm 60 some odd years old. You know, >> there's probably not much I haven't seen or done out there. >> So, um, yeah. And there's uh um, so yeah, >> in the past, Michael had been arrested for various drug offenses, car theft, and driving under the influence. Him using drugs was a well-known fact by his neighbors and friends. But it wasn't just the theft or drugs that made him a concern. And that's not what made Jessica and Austin want to move out. Just a week before their deaths, Austin and Jessica told friends and family members that they had seen Michael unloading boxes of firearms in the garage. They believed that Mike had seen them peek inside, and that terrified them. Whatever criminal enterprise he was getting into, it was clear he wanted to keep it a secret, and that it was bigger than anything he had ever done before. Austin and Jessica told anyone who would listen that they were trying to get out of the home, but needed to find a place to lay their heads first. The last thing they said to one of their close friends was, "If we disappear, you know who did it." And at this [music] point, so do police, even if Michael thinks he's outsmarted them. >> Hey, Mike, one last thing. What's that for? >> Uh, I found that on the ground outside. I know where it's for. >> It's a 7.62 by 39 round AK. >> Yeah. >> No idea. >> You don't have one up in your house or anything? >> Okay. >> Ultimately, Michael Lee Dudley was found guilty of two counts of seconddegree murder. He was sentenced to 46 years behind bars without the chance of parole, meaning that he won't be released until he is 111 years old. And unless he plans on breaking any world records, that likely won't be happening. Our thoughts are with Jessica and Austin's loved ones who lost not just one person they loved, but two. Thank you for tuning in. Nearly 85% of everyone watching isn't subscribed. Your subscription and support would mean the world to us so we can keep bringing you more content just like this. Before you go, check out one of our craziest cases right here or one of my newest ones right here.