New Jersey man pleads guilty to murdering and dismembering two women: Faces 40 years in prison

A New Jersey man pleaded guilty on Thursday to two counts of second-degree murder for killing and dismembering two women, hiding their remains in storage units, as reported by Fox News.

Joseph Jorgenson, 34, admitted to killing Manijeh "Mani" Starren and Fanta Xayavong, whose bodies were found in storage facilities in 2023.

The remains were discovered after Jorgenson’s suspicious behaviour prompted a police investigation.

In April 2023, Starren’s father reported his daughter missing. Authorities soon identified Jorgenson, her boyfriend, as a suspect. He had been seen on surveillance footage leaving Starren's apartment with duffle bags and a suitcase. After searching the apartment, investigators found traces of blood, which led them to Jorgenson’s storage unit in Woodbury, where Starren’s remains were found in coolers and a large bag.

Jorgenson’s connection to Xayavong came to light when police learned of a previous relationship between the two. Xayavong had been missing since July 2021, and her remains were found in a separate storage locker in Coon Rapids. DNA found on a tote bag confirmed Jorgenson’s involvement.

Jorgenson admitted to killing Xayavong during an argument at his Shoreview home. After killing her, he dismembered her body and placed the remains in the Coon Rapids storage unit.

“These heinous acts of cruelty took the lives of two young women and forever altered the future of their friends and family,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi.

As part of a plea deal, Jorgenson will serve two concurrent 40-year sentences, the maximum for second-degree murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28.