Minnesota – A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to murdering and dismembering two of his girlfriends, with both women’s remains hidden in separate storage units.
Joseph Jorgenson, 41, confessed to killing Manijeh “Mani” Starren, 34, and Fanta Xayavong, 33, after an investigation into Starren’s disappearance revealed the horrifying truth that she wasn’t the first woman he had harmed. Jorgenson pleaded guilty in Ramsey County District Court on January 2, 2024. As part of a plea agreement, he is expected to receive two 40-year sentences to be served concurrently for two counts of second-degree murder.
The investigation into Starren’s disappearance began when her father reported her missing on May 1, 2023. Starren had not been in contact with her family since April, and police later found blood in her apartment. Surveillance footage led police to Jorgenson, who was seen with Starren just before her disappearance. The footage showed Jorgenson pushing Starren back into her apartment, where she was last seen alive. Later, he was observed leaving the apartment with duffle bags, and police found more blood at his residence. Jorgenson was arrested after starting a fire in his home and engaging in a confrontation with officers.
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The investigation revealed a disturbing history of abuse. A man who shares a child with Starren expressed concern for her safety, recounting an incident in which Jorgenson allegedly strangled her with a rope. Neighbors also complained about a foul smell coming from Jorgenson’s apartment, and when maintenance workers attempted to inspect, Jorgenson prevented them from entering a bedroom, where police later found blood and evidence of decomposition.
After Jorgenson’s arrest, police discovered Starren’s dismembered remains in a storage unit in Woodbury, Minnesota, wrapped in plastic and placed in coolers.
The investigation into Xayavong’s disappearance began when a tip was received about her abusive relationship with Jorgenson. Police uncovered messages where Jorgenson allegedly admitted to injuring Xayavong. A search of another storage unit in Coon Rapids led to the discovery of her remains, bound and dismembered, with evidence linking Jorgenson to her death.
In court, Jorgenson admitted to both murders, explaining that he killed Starren in a violent outburst after an argument. He dismembered her body and moved her remains to the storage unit. He confessed to killing Xayavong in a similar manner while intoxicated, stating that his intent was always to kill her.
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Jorgenson’s sentencing is set for February 28, 2024. As part of his plea deal, additional charges related to arson and violence during his arrest have been dropped.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or at thehotline.org.
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