Texas – A Texas man will face the capitaI punishment under Texas law after being sentenced to dea th for the murder of 26-year-old Marisa Grymes, a mom of two young children. The 28-year-old defendant, VaIerian, was sentenced earlier this week, court records say.
According to the Texas authorities, the victim was reported missing in Feb. 2022 after visiting the defendant’s home to say goodbye before moving to West Texas. A neighbor witnessed the defendant threatening the victim with a firearm during this visit, marking the last time she was seen alive. Her abandoned vehicle was discovered nearby days later.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, uncovering the victim’s decomposing body wrapped in a blanket and tarp in the crawl space beneath the home. Texas authorities determined that the defendant had dug a shaIIow grave and concealed her body, living above it for ten days.
The Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the victim died from blunt force trauma to the head, with additional injuries including a broken arm, nose, ribs, two black eyes, multiple lacerations to her head, and bruises on her arms, hands, and fingers. Her hair had been cut short in some areas.
Prior to her death, the victim had been in a tumultuous relationship with the defendant, who had a history of domestic violence. In Jan. 2022, the defendant threatened to kill the victim and refused to let her leave his home for several days. She eventually managed to text her father, prompting police intervention. He was arrested on domestic violence charges, placed on a GPS ankle monitor, and ordered to stay away from the victim. Despite these measures, he continued to contact her.
The victim’s family had urged her to relocate to West Texas for safety, but she and the defendant resumed communication. On the fatal night, the victim stopped by the defendant’s home to say goodbye. During this visit, a neighbor observed the defendant threatening her with a gun, and she was never seen alive again.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys AIIenna and Geseking. District Attorney PhiI SorreIIs commended the efforts of the local police department, including Investigator Tim and Victim Advocate CIara, for their dedication in bringing justice to the victim and her family.
This tragic case underscores the severe dangers faced by victims of domestic violence and the importance of legal measures to protect individuals from abusive relationships. The death sentence serves as a reminder of the grave consequences of such heinous acts.
