Authorities believe two cases in Minnesota are connected. Both resulted in the discovery of the missing woman's remains in separate storage units. Joseph Jorgenson, 40, has been charged with the murder of Manijeh “Mani” Starren, 30, and is a person of interest in the death of Fanta Xayavong.
Xayavong's remains were found in Coon Rapids on July 6, 2023, and the investigation is ongoing. There is the potential that more charges will be made against Jorgenson. Anyone with information should contact the BCA tip line at 877-996-6222 or email [email protected].
Starren was reported missing by her father on May 1, 2023. None of friends or family had heard from her since April 18. When investigating her disappearance, police found surveillance video showing Starren exiting her apartment, apparently trying to get away from Jorgenson, who catches up with her and forces her back inside. She was never seen leaving the apartment again.
The cameras also caught Jorgenson leaving the apartment with two duffle bags and a suitcase.
A search of the apartment found blood. “Crime scene technicians located evidence of large amounts of blood in the apartment’s living room primarily on the couch, the floor of the living room, and the kitchen,” the probable cause affidavit stated. “It was apparent someone had tried to clean up the blood.”
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Jorgenson was arrested on June 26, 2023, but put up quite a fight. He reportedly attempted to set his home on fire and fought officers, even trying to disarm them. While investigating Starren’s homicide, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Human Trafficking alerted police about a tip from a friend of Xayavong. This friend was concerned because they knew Xayavong was in an allegedly abusive relationship with Jorgenson. She had not been heard from since 2021. Police are widening their investigation to see if there are any more deaths Jorgenson may be linked to.
To learn more about these cases, watch this video.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org_, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women's shelter domesticshelters.org.
