Minnesota Man Admits to Murdering and Dismembering Two Women in Disturbing Case

Joseph Jorgenson, 41, admitted to second-degree murder charges in the deaths of Fanta Xayavong and Manijeh “Mani” Starren, faces up to 40 years in prison for each crime. ( Image Credit: Law and Crime)

Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Murder and Dismemberment of Two Women

A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to killing and dismembering two women he had been in relationships with, hiding their remains in storage units in separate incidents. Joseph Jorgenson, 41, admitted to second-degree murder charges on Thursday in the deaths of Fanta Xayavong, 33, and Manijeh “Mani” Starren, 34. Jorgenson faces up to 40 years in prison for each killing.

In a chilling courtroom confession, Jorgenson detailed the circumstances surrounding both murders, as reported by local ABC affiliate KSTP.

Details of the Killings

Jorgenson revealed that in September 2021, he was living with Xayavong in a townhome when an argument escalated into violence. He admitted to beating her until she became unconscious, later realizing she had died. He dismembered her body and concealed her remains in a storage unit.

“I felt bad about [the murder] immediately afterward, but it was my intent at the time to kill her,” Jorgenson told the court.

In the case of Starren, Jorgenson said he killed her during an argument in April 2023 after she asked him to leave her apartment. He strangled her and dismembered her body using a razor blade. He initially hid her remains at his apartment before transferring them to a separate storage unit.

Discovery of the Remains

Starren’s family reported her missing to the Saint Paul Police Department after losing contact with her on April 21, 2023. Surveillance footage showed her running from her apartment as Jorgenson pursued her, forced her back inside, and later left alone.

“Jorgenson is the only one that comes out of that unit, and Mani is never seen again,” Saint Paul Sgt. Mike Ernster stated at a news conference.

In June 2023, a search warrant was executed at Jorgenson’s home. During the search, Jorgenson attempted to disarm officers and set a fire, leading to his arrest on unrelated charges. Days later, investigators discovered dismembered remains in a storage unit in Woodbury, Minnesota. The remains, found in coolers and a duffel bag, were identified as belonging to Starren.

As authorities investigated Starren’s case, they uncovered Xayavong’s remains in a separate storage facility about 35 miles away. A tip from a concerned citizen, who reported Xayavong had been in an abusive relationship with Jorgenson, led to the discovery.

Both Victims Were Mothers

Both women leave behind children. Xayavong was a mother of two, while Starren was a mother of three. The violent and calculated nature of the murders has left their families grieving and communities shocked.