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Washington State Detectives Investigate Woman’s Death, Discover Disturbing Letter
Authorities in Thurston County, Washington are investigating the death of an 82-year-old woman, Marcia Norman, whose remains were discovered buried beneath a shed. Detectives uncovered a letter at the residence of a suspect detailing a planned burglary and sexual assault, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation into this Washington murder continues as officials piece together the events leading to Norman’s death.
Cause of Death and Investigation Details
An autopsy revealed that Marcia Norman’s death was caused by traumatic injuries, including those inflicted by a pneumatic nailer, as stated by Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock.
“Her transition from injury to demise was not immediate. It spanned several hours,” Warnock commented, describing the case as the most disturbing he has encountered in his career.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Jeffrey Zizz, 47, a handyman who had worked for Norman, was apprehended on Sunday. He faces charges including murder, kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains. Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim indicated that formal charges are anticipated by Wednesday.
Zizz appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Monday. He has not yet entered a plea in the case.
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He remains in custody without bail. As of Monday night, online court records did not list an attorney representing him.
Discovery of Remains and Initial Investigation
Norman’s body was located on April 9, interred in a shallow grave under a shed, with concrete poured over it. Cadaver dogs initially signaled the presence of remains on the property, which was further confirmed using ground-penetrating radar, the sheriff’s office reported.
Detectives established that Zizz was the last individual to see Norman alive on April 1. Sheriff Derek Sanders noted that investigators subsequently learned Zizz had dined with her that evening.
Norman’s family initially reported suspicious circumstances related to a missing person on April 4.
Disturbing Letter Uncovered
Searches conducted the following day at Zizz’s residence and room led to the discovery of “a five-page letter that meticulously outlined a burglary and sexual assault targeting a woman referred to as his customer,” Sheriff Sanders disclosed.
This letter is now a key element of the ongoing investigation. Sanders stated that “correspondences exist” between the details described in the letter and the evidence collected in the Norman case.
“That aspect remains under investigation,” Sanders added, emphasizing that detectives have extensive follow-up work ahead. “The letter they discovered is deeply unsettling.”
Authorities have stated that there is currently no evidence of sexual assault in this case.
Motive Unclear, Suspect’s Past
The motive for the killing remains undetermined. “If I were to speculate at this juncture, it is because the suspect in custody is a violent individual,” Sanders suggested.
Officials indicated that Zizz fled to Montana as detectives were investigating Norman’s disappearance. Thurston County authorities secured an arrest warrant for a probation violation stemming from a prior child molestation case.
Zizz was apprehended in Missoula, Montana, on April 7 and extradited to Washington on April 13, according to the sheriff’s office.
Contradictions and Arrest
Sanders explained that Zizz was initially interviewed regarding Norman’s disappearance and his responses appeared plausible. However, a license plate reader in Olympia contradicted his claim of being home on the night of her disappearance.
“That discrepancy served as the initial indication that he was being untruthful, allowing us to expand our inquiry further,” Sanders stated.
Upcoming Court Date
An arraignment is scheduled for May 6, Sanders confirmed.