A Washington state handyman, Jeffrey Zizz, 47, has been charged in connection with the death of Marcia Norman, 82, whose remains were discovered buried and partially encased in concrete beneath a shed. Authorities allege Zizz murdered Norman and then attempted to hide the crime by constructing the shed over the burial site. Charges include first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Handyman’s Story Unravels as Disturbing Evidence Emerges and He Flees the State
Norman was reported missing on April 4, after her family had not heard from her since April 1, despite both of her cars remaining at home. Zizz, identified as her handyman and the last person to see her, was initially cooperative with investigators. However, inconsistencies in his story and surveillance evidence prompted law enforcement to dig deeper. His cooperation faltered after failing a polygraph test, and he eventually requested a lawyer.
Washington Handyman Charged After Elderly Woman Found Buried Under Shed in Chilling Murder CaseInvestigators uncovered significant evidence during searches of Zizz’s home, vehicle, and storage spaces. A disturbing five-page letter was found, detailing a plan to assault a woman he referred to as a customer. Meanwhile, Zizz fled Washington state, crashing a borrowed truck into an elk before being apprehended in Missoula, Montana, on a probation violation. He was extradited and remains in custody without bail.
Remains Unearthed, Family Grieves, and Suspect’s Dark Past Draws Renewed Scrutiny
Cadaver dogs were deployed to the shed Zizz had recently constructed, and human remains were found buried under 18 inches of soil and concrete on April 9. An autopsy confirmed the remains belonged to Norman and revealed she suffered both blunt force and sharp force trauma to the head, alongside additional injuries to her torso and limbs. The injuries occurred while she was still alive, suggesting a violent assault.
Norman’s family released a heartfelt statement, mourning the loss of the woman they described as the “center” of their family. They remembered her as a vibrant and engaged member of her community, full of life and future plans. The family expressed their profound grief and desire to honor her memory, while calling for justice to be fully served.
Zizz has a disturbing criminal history, having pleaded guilty in 2021 to multiple child sex crimes involving victims under the age of 15. He served less than a year in jail despite being sentenced to nearly nine years, due to credit for time served. His early release and subsequent connection to Norman’s murder have intensified scrutiny over how past offenders are monitored and released.