Thurston County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to trace the movements of Marcia Norman, 82, to piece together the circumstances of her homicide. Her decomposed body was discovered April 9 buried under a shed in a shallow grave. Some weeks later, law enforcement found her body after cadaver dogs alerted them to the site. Discoveries brought to light with ground-penetrating radar. Hidden in the soil were buried human remains.
Norman’s family reported her missing on April 4, just days after she was last seen dining with Jeffrey Zizz on the evening of April 1. Zizz, who has a disturbing history, including a former child molestation conviction, is now the subject of interest in the city’s ongoing investigation. His admitted access to the area in which Norman’s body was discovered deepens investigators’ suspicion.
The coroner’s autopsy revealed that Norman had sustained penetrating trauma from a pneumatic nail gun. She ultimately died as a result of the trauma caused by this instrument of torture. “Her onset from injury to death was not instant. It was hours,” stated Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock, indicating the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding her death.
After Norman’s family members raised alarm with law enforcement over Norman’s sudden disappearance, police launched an investigation that they were able to execute right away. Sheriff Derek Sanders mentioned that the details gathered throughout their investigation have resulted in some major breakthroughs. “That was the first step in which we were able to put him into a lie and then expand further,” he said, referring to Zizz’s statements during questioning.
The ongoing investigation has raised questions about Zizz’s character, as Sheriff Sanders remarked, “If I had to guess at this point in time, it’s because the suspect that we have in custody is a violent person.” This statement by AG Merrick Garland really emphasizes the troubling nature of the allegations against Zizz and the danger he poses to the community.
“The content of the letter they found is just horrific,” said Sheriff Sanders. He suggested there is other evidence key to the case.
As law enforcement investigates where and when Norman went missing, the timeline surrounding her death has become increasingly important. An arraignment for Jeffrey Zizz is set for May 6th because the investigation is still active and ongoing.