FORT WORTH, Texas — A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to death by a Tarrant County jury for the murder of his former partner, whose remains were discovered concealed in his home. This sentence underscores the severity of domestic violence and the tragic consequences it can inflict on families and communities.
Valerian Osteen was found guilty in the brutal killing of 26-year-old Marissa Grimes, a mother of two who had sought to escape their tumultuous relationship. The jury’s verdict on Monday culminated a case marked by a history of violence and intimidation against Grimes, who was last seen on February 12, 2022, after visiting Osteen for a final farewell prior to her planned relocation.
According to prosecutors, Grimes had packed her belongings in a U-Haul truck and informed family and friends of her intent to leave Osteen for good. A neighbor reported that Osteen threatened Grimes at gunpoint that evening, an alarming incident that marked the end of her life. Days later, when family members reported her missing, investigators turned their focus to Osteen, who was already under electronic monitoring due to past domestic violence charges.
Authorities executed a search warrant on Osteen’s residence and uncovered Grimes’ remains in the crawl space, wrapped in blankets and a tarp. Medical examiners reported multiple injuries, including broken bones and head trauma, indicating prolonged and severe abuse. The investigation revealed that Grimes had suffered significant violence before her death, which officials described as particularly heinous.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed a troubling history of escalating violence, including an incident a month prior to Grimes’ murder, where Osteen allegedly held her captive in his home for days while threatening her with a firearm. Although he had been arrested for aggravated assault related to that incident, he was released on bond and continued to pose a threat.
Following Grimes’ death, another woman came forward alleging that Osteen had also assaulted and threatened her. She recounted seeing blood in his home, which Osteen claimed belonged to someone else he had harmed.
Jurors were confronted with grim details during their deliberations, including insights into how Osteen lived above Grimes’ body for ten days, attempting to hide the evidence of his crime. The gravity of the offenses committed against Grimes led the jury to conclude that the death penalty was the appropriate sentence under Texas law.
Family members expressed their gratitude for the accountability delivered through the verdict, emphasizing the need for justice in a case that reflects broader societal issues surrounding domestic violence. Prosecutors reiterated that this case exemplifies the community’s intolerance for such acts.
Osteen remains in custody while awaiting transfer to death row, marking a significant moment in what has been one of the most disturbing cases within the county in recent years.