Parents await trial of store owner charged with killing their son: 'It's draining'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Jury selection started this week for the Raleigh store owner charged with killing a customer in April 2023.

On April 6, Taiseer "Taz" Zarka allegedly accused 28-year-old Mark Garrity Jr. of shoplifting before the two engaged in a dispute and then a fight. Garrity was stabbed multiple times and later died at a hospital.

Monday, the State and the defense attorney questioned potential jurors to be seated. In total, 12 men and women will ultimately decide Zarka's fate.

Potential jurors were asked about their past and current work history, what television shows they watch, if they had any biases toward police, and how their thoughts on what they understand about self-defense.

Meanwhile, Garrity's parents were seated in the rear of the courtroom while potential jury members were being questioned

"We're ready for an end. It's been grueling," said Amy Garrity. "Instead of celebrating his birthday, I was at his memorial. And this time of year is especially hard, but we've been fighting and we'll continue to fight."

Mark Garrity would have turned 29 years old on Friday, December 6.

"I don't know that I'll ever get to a place where I'll be OK. I will never not miss my child. Especially the horrific brutality of this and what occurred," she said.

Zarka and his attorney maintain self-defense.

Raleigh Police arrested and charged Zarka two weeks after Garrity's death. In the time since the Garritys have been anxiously awaiting the trial to begin.

"In any rate, it's painful to wait this long," said Mark Garrity Sr. "And to have the person that did this out on the street. If he were incarcerated right now, it would have sat better with us with the waiting time. But that wasn't the case," said Mrs. Garrity.

Zarka was initially being held without bond but later granted a $1 million bond, which he posted.

In court Monday, Zarka sat mostly motionless in a suit and tie and as potential jurors were questioned.

"It's definitely draining emotionally, physically. We deserve an end to it. We never want to hear his name again," Mrs. Garrity said.