TENINO, WA — The search for 82-year-old Marcia Norman ended in tragedy this week after her remains were found encased in concrete beneath a shed built by her handyman, Jeffrey Zizz, 47.
Norman was last seen April 1 at her home near Tenino, Washington, where she had dinner with Zizz—the last person known to have seen her alive. When authorities searched her residence, they found unsettling signs: dishes left half-washed, both cars still at home, and no clear reason for her departure.
Zizz, already on probation for a child molestation conviction, violated the terms of his release when he fled the state shortly after Norman’s disappearance. The Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest, and Zizz was apprehended in Missoula, Montana.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered Zizz had built a shed in Olympia the day after Norman went missing. On April 9, police moved the shed and began excavation beneath it—ultimately finding human remains partially buried and encased in concrete. The body was confirmed to be that of Marcia Norman on April 10.
Zizz was extradited back to Washington on April 13 and is currently held without bond on his previous sex crime charge. Investigators continue building a case regarding Norman’s death and have not yet filed additional charges related to the homicide.
Authorities have not released further details but said more information would be made available as the investigation progresses.
