Joseph Nissensohn. Typed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Sacramento, CA. February 7, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

Shadows of Depravity: The Dark Legacy of Joseph Michael Nissensohn

Early Life and Background

Joseph Michael Nissensohn was born on December 31, 1950, in North Carolina. He graduated from high school and began working as a truck driver in the late 1960s. His job allowed him to travel extensively across the United States, during which he frequented red-light districts and engaged in drug use. In the mid-1980s, he married Cheryl Rose on August 22, 1989.

Criminal Activities and Arrests

Nissensohn’s criminal activities began to surface when he was arrested for the murder of Sally Jo Tsaggaris, a prostitute, on September 5, 1990. The murder occurred on May 3, 1989, in Tillicum, Washington. According to his wife Cheryl’s testimony, they had been using methamphetamines together before an altercation led to Nissensohn stabbing Tsaggaris twice. After this incident, they fled to California.

In California, Nissensohn became involved with a homeless runaway named Kathy Graves. Cheryl later testified that Nissensohn assaulted and killed Graves as well. Following a series of events that included Cheryl fleeing due to domestic violence from Nissensohn and subsequently revealing his crimes to police, he was arrested for Tsaggaris’ murder.

Further Charges and Convictions

After serving time for Tsaggaris’ murder and being granted parole in late 2007, Nissensohn faced new charges for the murder of Kathy Graves just days before his release. Additionally, he was charged with two more murders: those of Tammy Lynn Jarschke and Tanja Jones in Monterey County in 1981. Their bodies were discovered tied to trees three months after their disappearance.

The prosecution’s case relied heavily on witness testimony from Jesse Prieto, who claimed involvement in the murders of Jarschke and Jones alongside Nissensohn. Despite defense arguments regarding insufficient evidence, a trial commenced.

Trial Outcome and Sentencing

Nissensohn’s trial began with significant media attention due to the horrific nature of the crimes committed against young girls. In October 2013, he was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder: for the murders of Kathy Graves (1989), Tammy Lynn Jarschke (1981), and Tanja Jones (1981). The jury deliberated for only 90 minutes before recommending the death penalty for his actions.

As a result of these convictions, Joseph Michael Nissensohn is currently sentenced to death and remains on death row in California.

Conclusion

Joseph Michael Nissensohn is an American serial killer whose criminal history spans multiple states and involves heinous acts against vulnerable individuals. His life reflects a pattern of violence that culminated in multiple convictions for first-degree murder.

In an odd twist that has captured the morbid fascination of collectors and true crime aficionados alike, an autographed item from Joseph Michael Nissensohn is considered exceedingly rare and valuable. Despite the ethical controversies surrounding the commodification of such a notorious figure’s memorabilia, the scarcity of any artifact bearing his mark adds an unexpected footnote to a legacy defined by horror and loss.

VIDEO: Carmel Valley serial murderer receives death penalty | https://www.ksbw.com/article/carmel-valley-serial-murderer-receives-death-penalty-2/1298829

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board – Acid Free

Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self-seal, stay-flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker than the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.