Introduction to the Case
A Fort Worth man has been sentenced to die after a Tarrant County jury found him guilty of beating and torturing a mother of two in February 2022. The jury convicted Valerian “Will” O’Steen, 28, of Fort Worth, of murdering Marissa Grimes, 26, of Arlington, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
Background of the Case
O’Steen was arrested on domestic violence charges in connection with a previous incident involving Grimes in which he had threatened to kill her, according to a news release from the district attorney’s office. He was released from jail on bond but was ordered to stay away from Grimes and told to wear an ankle monitor. However, prosecutors said the threats against Grimes continued.
The Events Leading to the Murder
Fearing for her life, Grimes planned to move to West Texas. She went to O’Steen’s home on Feb. 12, 2022, to say a quick goodbye, the release said. Prosecutors believe this was the last day Grimes was seen alive by one of O’Steen’s neighbors, who saw him threaten her with a gun.
The Discovery of the Body
Grimes’ family reported her missing, and days later, her U-Haul truck was found a mile from O’Steen’s house, according to the release. Grimes’ body was found in a crawl space under O’Steen’s home after Fort Worth police conducted a search warrant.
The Prosecution of the Case
The case was prosecuted by Tarrant County Assistant District Attorneys Ellenna Bangs and Peter Gieseking. “He dug her a shallow grave and lived above her for 10 days,” Bangs said in the release. Grimes suffered broken bones, black eyes, bruising over her body, and hair chopped short in some places. The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office ruled her death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
The Sentence and Reaction
“This is not a place for mercy,” Bangs told the jury, according to the release. “That is not what we dispense. In this courthouse, we administer justice.” The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the need for justice to be served.
Related Cases
Other cases of violent crime have also been in the news, including the execution of a Texas man for the ‘exorcism’ killing of his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter. 
The suspect in a deadly Dallas ICE shooting had notes indicating he intended to “maximize lethality” against ICE agents. 
Investigators have been analyzing devices, data, and writings recovered from the suspect’s home to learn more about his motives. 
Conclusion
The case of Valerian “Will” O’Steen is a tragic reminder of the severity of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and justice. The sentence reflects the need for justice to be served and for those responsible for such heinous crimes to be held accountable.
FAQs
Q: What was the sentence given to Valerian “Will” O’Steen?
A: Valerian “Will” O’Steen was sentenced to death for the murder of Marissa Grimes.
Q: What were the circumstances surrounding Marissa Grimes’ death?
A: Marissa Grimes was beaten and tortured by Valerian “Will” O’Steen, and her body was found in a crawl space under his home.
Q: What was the cause of Marissa Grimes’ death?
A: The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office ruled her death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
Q: What is the significance of this case?
A: This case highlights the severity of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and justice for victims and their families.
Q: Are there any related cases that have been in the news?
A: Yes, there have been other cases of violent crime in the news, including the execution of a Texas man for the ‘exorcism’ killing of his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter and the deadly Dallas ICE shooting.
