A Washington state man has been arrested four years after police say he murdered a woman, transported her body more than 200 miles, and buried her in a shallow grave covered with syringes to make her death look like a drug overdose.
The Arrest
Authorities confirmed that 36-year-old Amanda Elaine Green, reported missing in Tacoma in August 2021, was allegedly killed by 43-year-old James Daniel Lewis at his home in Yelm. Lewis is now facing charges of second-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful disposal of remains.
Discovery of the Body
For years, investigators lacked the evidence they needed to charge anyone because Green’s body was never found. That changed when detectives renewed their investigation earlier this year.
After being arrested on an unrelated warrant, Lewis allegedly confessed to killing Green and led officers to a shallow grave in Lewis County near Mount Rainier. There, police recovered human remains believed to be Green’s.
Motive and Confession
According to witnesses, Lewis admitted multiple times that he killed Green because he feared she wanted to take over the property that once belonged to his grandmother.
When first questioned, Lewis blamed another man, claiming he was forced to help dispose of the body. But after further questioning, he reportedly admitted he was the shooter.
Investigators say Lewis gave shifting explanations, including claims that Green stole firearms, pointed a gun at him, and even humiliated him by forcing him to shower. Eventually, Lewis admitted he was “too jumpy” and looking for “any reason” to shoot her.
Cover-Up Attempts
After the killing, Lewis and another man allegedly transported Green’s body over 200 miles, buried her in a shallow grave, and scattered used syringes over her remains to make it appear she had overdosed.
Police attempted to interview the man who allegedly helped with the burial, but his mental health issues made it difficult. He has not been charged.
Timeline of Events
May 2021: Detectives believe Green was killed after renting a U-Haul she never returned.
August 2021: Green was reported missing in Tacoma.
2022: Tacoma police informed Thurston County Sheriff’s Office she had been murdered in the Yelm area.
March 2024: Investigators reopened the case.
September 2024: Lewis arrested and confessed, leading police to Green’s remains.
Court Proceedings
Lewis is being held without bond in the Thurston County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Amanda Green’s disappearance haunted investigators and her loved ones for years. With Lewis’ arrest and confession, authorities say they are closer to bringing justice for her death. What began as a missing person’s case has ended with the recovery of her remains and disturbing details about how she was killed and hidden.
