The Saint Paul Police missing persons unit received a notification from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Human Trafficking tipline of a possible woman being trafficked. The concerned caller indicated that they knew Xayavong was in an abusive relationship with Jorgenson and were concerned because they had lost contact with her. Due to the connection between Xayavong and Jorgensen, and Jorgenson’s recent charges, they became concerned for her welfare and Saint Paul Police investigators opened an investigation into her disappearance.
The investigation into Xayavong’s disappearance led to a storage facility this week on the 9100 block of University Avenue Northwest in Coon Rapids. Saint Paul Police investigators served a search warrant on July 6 at a storage unit and human remains were located. The Saint Paul Police forensic services unit and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the storage unit and processed it as a crime scene.
The remains were recovered and transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination. Today, the remains were identified as Fanta Xayavong, 33, of Lakeville and her death was ruled a homicide.
Investigators also served a search warrant today in Shoreview at a residence that belonged to Jorgenson until September of 2022. This search warrant is being conducted in an attempt to advance the investigation and to locate evidence of Xayavong’s death.
If you have any information regarding Joseph Jorgenson, and other people who may be missing, please call the BCA tipline at 1-877-996-6222 or email at bca.tips@state.mn.us.
This investigation is ongoing, and no additional updates are available.
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