A man in Minnesota admitted guilt on Thursday to murdering and dismembering two women, whose remains were discovered in separate storage units. 41-year-old Joseph Steven Jorgenson from Woodbury, is set to receive two 40-year sentences on Feb. 28 for the murder of Manijeh Starren back in 2023 and Fanta Xayavong back in 2021, according to prosecutors, per the New York Post. 

Under Minnesota law, that’s the maximum for each intentional second-degree murder charge. He’ll serve both sentences concurrently, with two-thirds in prison and one-third on supervised release, which is typical in Minnesota. 

John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney said in a statement,

“These heinous acts of cruelty took the lives of two young women and forever altered the future of their friends and family.” 

The investigation started in April 2023 after Starren’s father reported her missing when she failed to check in with him. He mentioned her mental health and addiction struggles. Evidence from her apartment, surveillance, and her accounts pointed to Jorgenson as the main suspect. 

Prosecutors stated that keys from Jorgenson’s apartment led officials to a Woodbury storage facility, where Starren’s remains were located in coolers and a bag. They later discovered Xayavong’s remains in a Coon Rapids storage locker. Reports added that Xayavong was his previous girlfriend back in 2021. 

#Clique, what are your thoughts?