Remains of Missing Minnesota Woman Found in Storage Unit

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- Police in St. Paul have arrested a man after discovering the remains of a woman who had been missing since early May. 

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A news release issued Friday by the St. Paul Police Department says officers found blood evidence while executing a search warrant at the apartment of 34-year-old Manijeh “Mani” Starren. The St. Paul woman was last seen at her apartment before being reported missing. 

Investigators identified a person of interest, identified as 40-year-old Joseph S. Jorgenson, after a review of surveillance footage showed him entering Starren’s apartment after her disappearance and making no effort to report her missing, the news release says. The St. Paul SWAT Team then executed a search warrant at Joregenson’s Maplewood apartment on Monday and reported that he started a fire once SWAT members entered the unit. 

Jorgenson also fought with and attempted to disarm the officers, the news release says. He was eventually arrested and booked into the Ramsey County Jail on unrelated charges.

Investigators found blood evidence at the Maplewood apartment. The investigation then led authorities to search a storage unit in Woodbury on Wednesday, where they found remains that were identified by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner as Starren, police say.

The medical examiner also ruled Starren’s death as a homicide, the news release says. The Ramsey County Attorney charged Jorgenson with one count of Second-degree murder. 

“Any crime that occurs in our community is horrific. A homicide is among the worst of all crimes for family, for our community, and even our investigators,” said Saint Paul Police Chief Axel Henry. “Our department is committed to bringing those who cause harm to justice, and now a very dangerous person is under arrest. The apprehension of this suspect illustrated the danger he posed to the public, and the dedication of our officers to protect our community.” 

Starren’s murder marks the 18th homicide in St. Paul this year.