20-Year-Old Was Found Murdered in 1983; Her Husband and His New Wife Were Named Persons of Interest 42 Years Later

20-year-old Woman Found Murdered in 1983; Suspects Named Over 40 Years Later

In a chilling turn of events, the cold case murder of Maritza Glean Grimmett has resurfaced, sparking intrigue and mystery over 40 years after her tragic demise. Maritza, a 20-year-old Panamanian native, was brutally murdered in the early 1980s, with her remains left unidentified until March 2024. The case took a significant leap forward when two individuals were named as persons of interest by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, 42 years after the initial discovery of her body.

The suspects in question are Maritza’s ex-husband, Howard Grimmett, and his current wife, Isabel “Terry” Cruz-Grimmett. The investigation into Maritza’s murder has been a long and arduous journey, with her remains first being discovered in April 1983 in what is now Lake Forest, California. For decades, she was known only as Jane Doe, until a breakthrough in November 2023 led to the positive identification of her remains the following year.

Maritza’s marriage to Howard, a U.S. Marine, in 1978 marked the beginning of a tumultuous series of events that culminated in her untimely death. The couple welcomed a daughter, Dawn Hamill, before their relationship took a sour turn, leading to divorce proceedings in 1979. Howard then swiftly married Terry the same year and relocated to California, leaving Maritza behind in Tennessee. The circumstances surrounding Maritza’s fateful journey to California and the events that transpired thereafter remain shrouded in mystery.

Investigators have honed in on the proximity of the crime scene to the El Toro Marine base, where Howard was stationed at the time of Maritza’s murder. The lack of concrete evidence linking Maritza’s presence in California to Howard presents a significant challenge for the investigation. Despite the gravity of the situation, Howard and Terry have cooperated with authorities, undergoing interviews in September 2024. Howard vehemently denied any involvement in Maritza’s homicide during these sessions, further complicating the already convoluted case.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are reaching out to former military personnel who may have crossed paths with Maritza at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station between late 1979 and April 1983. The quest for justice for Maritza continues, with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in shedding light on this decades-old mystery. Tips can be submitted anonymously to OC Crime Stoppers, ensuring that no lead goes unexplored in the pursuit of truth and closure for Maritza’s loved ones.

The resurgence of Maritza Glean Grimmett’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unsolved crimes on families and communities. The dedication of investigators and the collaboration of the public are instrumental in unravelling the complexities of historical cases, offering hope for resolution and justice after years of uncertainty. Amidst the passage of time, the pursuit of truth remains unwavering, as the search for answers in Maritza’s tragic murder persists, bringing renewed attention to a case that has haunted many for decades.