Charges Filed Against Handyman in Connection with Missing Woman's Death in Washington State
A handyman in Washington state, identified as Jeffrey Zizz, 47, is currently facing serious legal charges following the tragic discovery of a missing womans remains, which were found buried beneath a shed he allegedly constructed. Authorities have indicated that the remains of Marcia Norman, an 82-year-old woman who had been reported missing, were partially encased in concrete, raising grave concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death.
During a press conference held on April 21, Thurston County officials announced that Zizz faces charges including first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains. Prosecuting attorney Jon Tunheim indicated that these charges are set to be formally filed by April 23, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues to unfold.
Authorities allege that Zizz, who has a prior conviction for child sex crimes, is responsible for the death of Norman, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances from her home in Teninoa small community located about 15 miles south of Olympia. The Thurston County Sheriff's Office reported that Norman was last seen on April 1, and her family became concerned when they could not reach her afterward, despite her vehicles remaining at her residence.
The investigation into Norman's disappearance began on April 4, prompted by a missing person report filed by her family. Investigators soon determined that the situation at her home was suspicious, leading them to return the following day to secure areas of interest. During initial interviews, Zizz appeared cooperative and provided information that initially seemed plausible; however, it was later found that he had lied, as evidence from a license plate reading camera contradicted his statements.
After failing a polygraph test and requesting legal representation during a follow-up interview, Zizz was arrested on a probation violation related to his previous sex crime convictions in Missoula, Montana. He was subsequently extradited to Washington state and is currently being held in Thurston County Jail without the possibility of bail.
Marcia Norman's family described her as a vibrant and engaged member of her community, expressing deep sorrow over her loss. They remarked, Marcia was the one that brought us together. Our family is grieving and looking for ways to honor her memory. The family expressed their heartache at losing a beloved matriarch who was full of life and had plans for the future.
In detailing the timeline of the investigation, Sheriff Derek Sanders revealed that Zizz was the last known person to see Norman alive after they had dinner together on April 1. Following her disappearance, law enforcement officials executed search warrants on April 5, seizing Zizzs truck and searching his storage unit, where they discovered a disturbing letter mapping out a potential burglary and sexual assault on a woman identified as his customer.
Further investigative efforts included searches of nearby areas and the deployment of special cadaver dogs to a property in Olympia. These dogs indicated the presence of human remains beneath the shed constructed by Zizz shortly after Norman was reported missing. Subsequent excavation efforts led to the grim discovery of human remains buried approximately 18 inches underground, with concrete poured over the top.
Following an autopsy conducted on April 10, the Thurston County Coroner confirmed the remains belonged to Marcia Norman. The cause of death was determined to be due to a combination of blunt force trauma and sharp force injuries to the head, with additional trauma noted on her torso and limbs. Authorities stated that these injuries were likely inflicted while she was alive, although there was no evidence of sexual assault found, pending further test results.
As the investigation progresses, Sheriff Sanders emphasized the priority of focusing on Normans legacy and the pursuit of justice on her behalf. He stated, Our focus moving forward is going to be on Marcia, the life she lived, her familywhos going to continue to live in her nameand the investigation that ensures that justice is sought for her. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to resolve the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of a cherished community member.
In light of Zizz's criminal history, which includes a 2021 guilty plea for molesting three minors under the age of 15, the community is left grappling with the implications of these charges. Court documents reveal that Zizz had been sentenced to nearly nine years in custody but was released after serving only 11 months, thanks to credits for time served.
This shocking case underscores the need for vigilance in communities and raises questions about the oversight of individuals with criminal backgrounds, especially those convicted of serious offenses.