Man Sentenced To 40 years For Murdering, Dismembering Mani Starren, Fanta Xayavong

Man Sentenced To 40 years For Murdering, Dismembering Mani Starren, Fanta Xayavong

A Maplewood man who admitted to killing and dismembering two ex-girlfriends learned his fate in court Friday.

Last month, 41-year-old Joseph Jorgenson pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder. Investigators say he killed 34-year-old Manijeh Starren, also known as "Mani," and 33-year-old Fanta Xayavong.

Jorgenson pleaded guilty to murdering, dismembering and hiding their bodies at storage facilities in Coon Rapids and Woodbury.

"She was so soft-hearted and had a natural ability to care for others," said Ricki Starren, Mani Starren's mom.

Calling their daughter's murder heinous and traumatic, Mani Starren's parents told the court how Jorgenson deceived them and tried to hide his crime.

After Mani Starren's dad reported her missing in the spring of 2023, police say surveillance captured Jorgenson carrying two duffle bags and a suitcase from her apartment. The investigation led them to a storage facility in Woodbury, where they found Mani Starren's remains in coolers and a large bag.

"To know she was not only killed but also cut apart after her death is something I will never, ever get over," said Ricki Starren.

"Mani was my daughter, my heart, and an irreplaceable part of our family. Losing her has shattered our lives in ways I could never imagine," said Marvin Starren, Mani Starren's dad.

Mani Starren was a mother of three. After finding her remains, police learned Jorgenson had been in a previous relationship with Xayavong in 2021. That information eventually led investigators to a storage unit in Coon Rapids, where they found her dismembered body.

Her older sister also gave a victim impact statement in court.

"He didn't just take Fanta's life, he destroyed the lives of her children, her family and everyone who loved her," she said.

As part of pleading guilty to murdering the women, prosecutors dismissed a third case where Jorgenson was charged with arson, threats of violence and disarming an officer.

"I'd just like to say that I truly am sorry. Especially to the family and especially to the children of both Mani and Fanta, I am very, very sorry," said Jorgenson in court.

Also as part of the plea deal, Judge Leonardo Castro sentenced Jorgenson to 40 years in prison. Though Castro told the court he wishes he could make it a life sentence.

"In this case, there are no answers. What you did cannot be explained. What you did was purely evil," said Castro.

As part of the sentencing, with good behavior Jorgenson will serve 26-and-a-half years in prison and the rest of the sentence on supervised release.

Domestic Violence Resources: For anonymous, confidential help, people can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224. 

SOURCE: CBS NEWS MINNESOTA