Life Sentence for Killer Who Lived With Ex-Partner’s Remains

​A Clinton Township man will spend the rest of his natural life behind bars without the possibility of parole, bringing a definitive close to a chilling local homicide case that shocked the community.

​Matthew Lewinski, 42, was formally sentenced in Macomb County Circuit Court following a jury conviction for the premeditated first-degree murder of his 52-year-old former partner, Courtney “Jerri” Winters. In addition to the life sentence for murder, Lewinski received consecutive prison terms for disinterment, mutilation of a dead body, and concealing the death of an individual.

​Investigators established that the tragic sequence of events began in December 2020 inside the condominium the couple shared. Court proceedings revealed that an argument erupted between the pair after Winters mentioned she had undergone an abortion. The confrontation escalated from physical slaps and a bite into a fatal assault, during which Lewinski strangled Winters for several minutes until she stopped breathing.

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​Rather than seeking help or reporting the tragedy, Lewinski placed her body in a bathtub before later moving the remains to the basement. For over seven months, through the winter and spring of 2021, Lewinski continued to live inside the residence alongside the decomposing remains, eventually mutilating parts of the body in a gruesome attempt to destroy evidence and conceal the crime.

​The horrific reality came to light on July 27, 2021. Emergency services had rushed Lewinski to a local hospital after he was found wandering his apartment complex disoriented and wearing only his underwear. Seizing the opportunity to check on the property during his absence, family members entered the condo and uncovered Winters’ remains hidden in the basement, prompting an immediate 911 call. Police subsequently secured a full confession from Lewinski while he was recovering under medical care.

​Throughout the prolonged legal proceedings, prosecutors emphasized that Winters had never been officially reported missing during the months she lay undiscovered. Handing down the maximum penalty, the presiding judge condemned the actions as exceptionally depraved, while Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido praised the tireless efforts of investigators to secure ultimate accountability and final justice for the victim’s grieving family.

​Judge Slams ‘Depraved’ Killer Who Hid Ex’s Body for Months

​This video report provides additional courtroom coverage and highlights the judge’s remarks during the sentencing proceedings.