OLYMPIA, WA – The remains of Marsha Norman, an 82-year-old woman reported missing nearly two weeks ago, were discovered encased in concrete beneath a shed in Olympia, according to local authorities. The unsettling discovery has left neighbors in shock and a handyman identified as a person of interest.
Norman’s disappearance was reported by her family after they had not heard from her for several days. The case took a grim turn when detectives unearthed her body, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community. Neighbors expressed their horror and hoped for the family to find some closure after the tragic discovery.
The investigation quickly centered around Jeffrey Ziz, Norman’s handyman, who was reportedly the last person to see her alive. Authorities indicate that Ziz had dinner with Norman on April 1, and his sudden departure from the area raised further suspicion.
In a twist, Ziz appeared in a Montana courtroom on April 8, not for Norman’s case, but for violating a previous sentence related to a child molestation charge. Detectives allege that he fled to Missoula, breaching the terms of his sentence, and was subsequently detained.
Thurston County detectives revealed that Ziz constructed the shed in Olympia a day after Norman’s disappearance. A search beneath the structure led to the discovery of human remains, later confirmed by the coroner’s office to be Norman’s. Ziz was then extradited to Washington, where he remains in custody.
While the community grapples with the unsettling news, authorities caution residents about the importance of knowing who they hire and maintaining safe relationships with those who have access to their homes. The investigation into Norman’s death continues, with Ziz still considered the primary person of interest.
Despite the developments, Ziz has not been formally charged in connection with Norman’s death. Authorities continue to gather evidence as they piece together the events leading up to her disappearance and untimely death.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice for Norman and her grieving family.