Olympia, WA — A chilling revelation has emerged in the investigation of an 82-year-old Washington state woman found deceased and concealed beneath a shed. Authorities reported discovering a letter in the home of the primary suspect, detailing plans for a burglary and a sexual assault.
Marcia Norman’s demise was attributed to injuries inflicted by a pneumatic nailer, according to Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock, who remarked on the prolonged and ghastly nature of her suffering. “Her onset from injury to death was not instant. It was hours,” Warnock noted, calling it one of the most disturbing cases he has encountered in his career.
The suspect, 47-year-old Jeffrey Zizz, a handyman previously employed by Norman, faced charges including murder, kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains. Zizz was arrested without the option for bail and awaited formal charges, which were expected to be finalized shortly after his preliminary court appearance this past Monday.
Norman’s body was discovered on April 9 after authorities employed ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs that signaled at the property. The body was found buried in a shallow grave with concrete poured over it. Zizz was reportedly the last individual seen with Norman on April 1, having shared a meal with her that evening, according to Sheriff Derek Sanders.
In the days following her disappearance, which was reported under suspicious circumstances by Norman’s family on April 4, investigators executed a search warrant at Zizz’s residence. During the search, they unearthed a five-page letter that meticulously outlined a planned criminal act against a woman referred to as his customer. “The letter is extremely disturbing,” Sanders said, highlighting the specifics detailed which bore striking similarities to the circumstances surrounding Norman’s assault.
Though the letter indicated plans for sexual assault, no evidence substantiating this aspect of the crime has been reported. As investigations continue, detectives are focused on piecing together the sequence of events leading to Norman’s death, with the letter playing a crucial role in understanding the suspect’s motives, which remain unclear.
Sheriff Sanders speculated on the motive, suggesting, “If I had to guess at this point in time, it’s because the suspect that we have in custody is a violent person.” Prior to Zizz’s capture, he fled to Montana, prompting local authorities to secure an arrest warrant pertaining to a probation violation from a previous child molestation case.
Zizz was apprehended in Missoula, Montana, on April 7, and was subsequently extradited back to Washington. Earlier in the investigation, law enforcement had interviewed Zizz regarding Norman’s disappearance. Although his initial responses appeared credible, discrepancies in his alibi were later identified through license plate detection technology.
With Zizz’s arraignment scheduled for May 6, the community and Norman’s family await further developments. As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to ensure justice for Norman, amidst grappling with the unsettling details that have come to light.