Jessie and Austin: The Bodies in the Suitcase - BBC News

In June, three teenagers were out making TikTok videos when they found a pair of suitcases washed up on a Seattle beach.

Inside were the bodies of Jessica Lewis, 35, and Austin ‘Cash’ Wenner, 27. They had been shot.

The video of their discovery went viral.

Gina Jaschke, Jessica's aunt, has repeatedly asked TikTok to remove the the video, which has had 29 million views - but TikTok refuses, saying it doesn't breach their guidelines.

The family has also set up a fundraiser, offering a reward for information on the murders.

Produced, filmed & edited by Jamie Ryan

Commissioning Editor: Nisha Lilia Diu

[Martial-Mat]

"I want them to be known as more than the bodies wrapped in plastic." BBC titles the video The bodies in the suiitcase. NEVER expect decency from corporations that profit from immorality.

[scienceworld]

My deepest condolence to the family of Jesicca Lewis and Austin Cash Wenner

[hiaezakmi]

She says the first line and BBC puts the title "the bodies in the suitcase"

[astraldragon]

For anyone who doesn't know yet, A WA landlord is currently accused/suspected of having murdered these two as his tenants who were unable to pay the rent during the pandemic.

[michaelhickie]

Family repeatedly asked tiktok to remove the video.. BBC: 'hey check this out!'

[chinesesparrows]

Lol mentioning Uyghers in Tik Tok is taken down, but dead bodies arent. Go figure.

[disavowalf]

Oh, their poor families, this is heartbreaking and TikTok should abide by the families wishes...you got enough clicks, guys, take it down!
My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy, including those who found the cases but if TikTok won't do the right thing they should...you got enough clicks, guys, take it down!
Take care, stay safe😷💕

[bootsy]

Oh my this is heartbreaking 💔 May they rest in peace 😭

[Lastcookie]

Disgusting tik tok have not taken action

[novah]

It is extremely cruel that they refused to take the video down.

[ddd-lyrv]

Lacks any dignity. Like being unplugged from civilization. Quite tragic.

[winniecheung]

Tiktok is heartless. I wonder what the CEO would have done should this video were about his loved ones. Whoever makes the decision not to remove the video will be judged.

[joanwiebe]

Horrific for this family! My deepest condolences! ♥️

[irinevladimir]

I am a grieving mom myself .I know the pain . Jessie and Austin are amazing beautiful souls doing amazingly in Heaven .Our bodies are the containers . “Spacesuits “ to explore this reality. We don’t need them in Heaven . My deepest condolences to the family.

[weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

This is just heartbreaking 😢 I have seen the video on two YouTube compilations about Randonautica. The young people having a fun time out when they found the suitcase, then the rest of it. This is the first time I've ever seen anything about the poor victims who can't have been much older than the young people who found them. It is just an absolute tragedy all around 😞

[lin]

People are so desensitised that they think its normal to post videos of them finding suitcases with people in them

[erikawolf]

My deepest condolences to the families.

[newdayinamerica]

I honestly believe this was a drug deal, went bad! Sounds like Mafia or Cartel work! This is too good to be done by amateur killer(s).

[sharonlove]

Very sad for there lives to end that way, very sad for there families to have to go through everything and then to have to beg for the vid to be taken down, that’s something that I guess they will never get over.. it doesn’t show respect for the peeps that died or for there families...how unbelievably sad...
I wonder if it was a vid of peeps in there family who died, would they allow it to keep being shown.. I Don’t think so 🥺😭 RIP both of you, and stay strong families and friend

[bmg]

Let's remember they were two people with relationships and lives, hopes and fears like everyone. No one deserves that end to life. Referring to them as bodies does dehumanise them.