A 47-year-old Washington handyman has been charged with the brutal murder of an elderly woman he allegedly tortured for hours before concealing her body in a block of concrete beneath a shed.
Jeffrey Zizz was formally charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains in connection to the death of 82-year-old Marcia Norman. The victim’s body was discovered encased in concrete on a separate property where Zizz was conducting work.
Authorities say Norman and Zizz were on friendly terms and had made dinner plans for April 1. Zizz, who was already in custody on unrelated charges, was the last known person to see Norman alive. Initially, he told police they had dinner and parted ways around 9 p.m. that evening. However, new evidence contradicted his timeline and led to his arrest.
Digital Clues and Disturbing Discoveries
According to Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, surveillance from automatic license plate readers revealed Zizz’s vehicle was spotted heading toward Norman’s property at 3:04 a.m. and again at 7:03 a.m. on April 2 — hours after he claimed to have left. Zizz allegedly told police he was retrieving tools and a trailer during those visits.
But suspicion deepened when Zizz failed a polygraph test “extremely poorly,” according to Sanders. During a second police interview, he requested a lawyer.
Among the most disturbing revelations was a five-page typed letter discovered by investigators, detailing what appeared to be a pre-planned burglary and sexual assault of a woman described as a “customer.” Sheriff Sanders said the letter bore troubling similarities to Norman’s murder but declined to provide full details due to the ongoing investigation.
A Terrifying Pattern
The court records paint a chilling picture of a growing obsession. Months prior to the murder, Norman reportedly told family members that she once awoke in the middle of the night to find Zizz standing at the foot of her bed. She had rebuked him and demanded he leave. Norman later told her son she’d warned Zizz to maintain a professional relationship.
When questioned, Zizz allegedly admitted to the incident and told detectives he had romantic feelings for Norman, saying he had entered her bedroom while she was asleep to “speak with her” and had rubbed her shoulder.
Torture and a Grisly End
Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock revealed that Norman died from combined blunt force and penetrating head injuries, in addition to multiple traumas to her torso and limbs. Disturbingly, Warnock confirmed these injuries were inflicted while she was still alive, and said her death occurred over a period of hours.
“I have been in this line of work for nearly 25 years,” Warnock stated during a press conference, “and this is the worst case I’ve ever witnessed.”
Warnock also confirmed suspicions that a pneumatic nail gun may have been used to inflict the “penetrating” wounds, many of which were likely sustained while Norman was still conscious.
When Norman’s body was discovered, it was bound at the wrists and ankles with long black Velcro straps and wrapped before being buried in concrete. Investigators found the body on a separate property where Zizz was also working, suggesting he had carefully planned the disposal.
Legal Proceedings
Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim described Norman’s injuries as “consistent with torture,” though he said prosecutors are not yet ready to confirm that specific charge.
Zizz is currently being held without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for May 6.
As the investigation continues, authorities say they are working to determine whether Norman was the only victim, or whether Zizz may have been planning additional attacks.
“This case is deeply disturbing on every level,” Sheriff Sanders said. “It’s a reminder that the worst kinds of violence can happen even in the quietest communities.