CALGARY- A former white supremacist has pleaded guilty in the death of a man who was viciously attacked and found dead in front of a northwest strip mall.
In October 2010, 47-year-old Mark Mariani was approached by two complete strangers behind the mall. They knocked him down and repeatedly kicked and stomped him. Mariani died of severe head injuries, and the motive behind the vicious attack is still not known.
27-year-old Tyler Sturrup entered a guilty plea in court on Monday in connection with the attack-the very day his trial was set to get underway.
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“I think we were all preparing for a long, lengthy trial, preparing to go the distance for whatever we needed to do, and it was a shock this turned around like it did today,” says Mariani’s brother, Dino. “We’re all surprised by it.”
In court, Sturrup offered an apology, saying, “I cannot give Mark his life back, I wish I could. But I can take responsibility.
“I deeply regret my past violent and reckless behaviour. I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused your family.”
Sturrup was sentenced to life in prison, with no chance of parole for 10 years.
While Mariani’s family left court satisfied some justice has been served, there is still another trial scheduled. Robert Reitmeier, the second man accused in Mariani’s murder, is set to face a judge in the fall.
With files from Nancy Hixt
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