1979 Cold Case of newlywed soldiers’ wives murdered in Marina 15 days apart solved

MARINA, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON NOV. 3 AT 3:19 PM: Marina Police said reevaluated DNA evidence has helped solve two 1979 cold case murders.

Jurn Norris, 68, an inmate at a mental institution in the state of Missouri, may face charges in the murders of two Marina military wives in 1979, according to Marina Police.

Marina Police Chief Tina Nieto says the department's determination helped with the DNA match. "No matter where it goes. We did a great job in getting answers," said Nieto. "Hopefully, justice will be served."

In 1979, two newlyweds who had just moved to the U.S. with their military husbands stationed at Fort Ord were murdered 15 days apart.  

Uicha Malgieri and Helga DeShon lived across the way from one another. They were both murdered 15 days apart in the same way, by strangulation.

Norris was the department's primary suspect when the case first began, he's also believed to be the suspect in a Fort Worth murder in Texas, police believe.

Norris lived down the street from the apartment complex the two wives lived in when they were strangled to death and sexually assaulted. Norri's wife served in the military at Fort Ord, said Marina Police.

The Monterey County District Attorney's Office said that Norris may be prosecuted in Texas first, and depending on what they decide, he may be brought to Monterey County. Then they will see if he is mentally competent enough to stand trial.

Currently, investigators are trying to reach Uicha Malgieri's family in North Korea. Both the women's widowers have been notified of the new developments.

DNA evidence that was reevaluated, in conjunction with the Monterey County Cold Case Task Force and Homeland Security Investigation, helped close this case.

ORIGINAL STORY

In 1979, two newlyweds who had just moved to the U.S. with their military husbands stationed at Fort Ord were murdered 15 days apart.  

Uicha Malgieri and Helga DeShon lived across the way from one another. 

Uicha, from Korea, lived with her husband at 205 Cosky Drive. Helga, from Germany, lived at 204 Cosky Drive.  

Both were strangled and sexually assaulted three weeks apart, just as their husbands had left for the base in the morning.  

Paul DeShon came home for lunch to find his new bride had been murdered.  

Both husbands were cleared of any wrongdoing, and detectives went door-to-door investigating if any witnesses had seen anything.  

Marina Police are still searching for answers. If you know anything, please contact them.

Have a cold case you want help solved? Reach out to us!