Maplewood Man Pleads Guilty, Dismembered 2 Romantic Partners Before Putting Bodies In Storage Units

Maplewood Man Pleads Guilty, Dismembered 2 Romantic Partners Before Putting Bodies In Storage Units

Joseph Jorgenson admitted in court Thursday to killing Mani Starren and Fanta Xayavong two years apart.

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. — Joseph Jorgenson appeared in a Ramsey County courtroom Thursday wearing a green anti-suicide smock and handcuffs. The Maplewood man admitted to strangling 34-year-old Mani Starren to death at her apartment in April, 2023, before cutting her body up and ultimately moving it to a Woodbury storage unit.

While investigating this homicide, authorities discovered evidence of a second victim, Fanta Xayavong, another former romantic partner who was last seen alive in July of 2021. Jorgenson was always a person of interest in this case, but investigators didn't have strong enough evidence until now. Thursday, Jorgenson was charged and pleaded guilty to second degree murder with intent for her killing as well.

In the courtroom, Jorgenson described the murders in gruesome detail while expressing no emotion. He confessed to beating Xayavong to death while intoxicated, then dismembering her body and hiding the remains in a Coon Rapids storage unit.

Jorgenson faces up to 40 years in prison for each murder charge, with the sentences expected to be served concurrently.

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office (RCAO) stated that the families of both victims have been notified and support the plea agreements. They also indicated that they do not believe Jorgenson is involved in any additional homicides.

Jorgenson was also charged with arson and trying to disarm a peace officer as police tried to execute warrants related to Starren's disappearance. As part of the plea agreement, the RCAO dismissed that charge.

Jorgenson is scheduled to appear in person for sentencing on Feb. 28.

SOURCE: KARE 11