Joseph Jorgenson on Thursday pleaded guilty to the murder and dismemberment of two women less than two years apart.
The 41-year-old from Maplewood accepted an agreement with Ramsey County prosecutors that saw him plead guilty to two counts of intentional 2nd-degree murder in the killing of Manijeh Starren in April 2023 and Fanta Xayavong in September 2021.
As part of the agreement, Jorgenson will serve two concurrent sentences of 40 years (480 months), the maximum allowed under state law for 2nd-degree murder, with the dismemberment and concealment of the victims’ bodies considered aggravating factors.
“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.
“We commend the diligent work of those in law enforcement as well as our staff who worked tirelessly to bring about charges leading to convictions supported by the available evidence and, ultimately, a measure of closure for each victim. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their surviving family and friends.”