A grandmother is murdered, stuffed into a suitcase, and dumped along a highway
Dorothy Vivian Autrey, aged 84, was last seen alive on February 20, 2008, at her home in Cayucos, California. Autrey lived in a home on Hacienda Way, and had recently invited her grandson, Matthew James Levine, to move in with her. On February 21, Levine reported his grandmother missing, claiming that he had last seen her the previous evening when they played cards together. The following day, Levine woke up to find Autrey missing from their shared home, with her car still parked outside. A search of the area was initiated, and her purse was found near the Cayucos pier, but no other traces of her were discovered, leading to fears of foul play.
A month later, Levine confessed to killing Autrey, claiming that he had been under the influence of cough syrup and marijuana during a heated argument with her. According to Levine, his grandmother had scolded him for his lifestyle, leading him to strike her in the chest, resulting in her accidental death. He said that he disposed of her body by dumping it off a cliff near Ragged Point, but despite extensive searches, no remains were ever located. Levine's history of substance abuse, coupled with a previous conviction for threatening his girlfriend, added to suspicions about his involvement. Autrey's friends described her as a healthy and active woman who would not have simply wandered off, especially as she rarely left home after dark.
At trial, prosecutors painted a different picture, arguing that Levine had premeditated the murder, driven by a desire to inherit his grandmother's money and property. Bloodstains were found in multiple areas of the house, and evidence suggested that Autrey had been stabbed rather than struck. During his time in jail, Levine was recorded discussing matters related to Autrey's estate, showing no signs of remorse for her death but instead expressing concern over his inheritance. This behavior was used as evidence of his motives. Ultimately, Levine was convicted of first-degree murder and elder abuse in 2009 and sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years.
The community of Cayucos mourned the loss of Dorothy Autrey, a woman remembered as vibrant, caring, and deeply involved in her family's lives. Many who knew her were shocked and devastated by the circumstances of her death. The case highlighted the complex issues surrounding elder abuse and the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly at the hands of those close to them.
