9 men, 3 women to decide fate of Raleigh supermarket owner charged with murdering customer

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- After two full days of jury selection, 12 jurors and two alternates were seated on Tuesday. The jury is composed of nine men and three women.

They will decide the fate of 61-year-old Taiseer "Taz" Zarka who is charged with second-degree murder for the stabbing death of a customer.

"Our faith will carry us through this. And we know in our hearts that our son will get justice," said Mark Garrity Sr.

In April 2023, his son Garrity Jr. was stabbed by Zarka at Taz's Fantaztic Convenience Store after being accused of stealing a Gatorade, documents show. Garrity later died at the hospital. The two allegedly were involved in an altercation in which Zarka's attorney claims his client stabbed Garrity Jr. in an act of self-defense.

Patrick Latour with the Wake County District Attorney is in charge of prosecuting the case for the State of North Carolina.

"Assistant District Attorney Latour spent a lot of time with us getting to know who Mark was," said Amy Garrity. "Who Mark truly was as a person, as a son, as a brother, as a friend. So I feel that we're confident with the justice system."

The Garrity family has been present for questioning, although they have not spoken publicly in court.

Defense attorney Karl Knudsen, who is representing Zarka, told ABC11 that he expects opening statements to begin Tuesday afternoon. Although he said that could change based on how long the jury selection continues.

"We've been fighting and we'll continue to fight. We're my son's voice. We're here for him and make sure that he gets justice," said Garrity Sr.

Opening statements begin Wednesday morning. Judge Keith Gregory says he expects the trial to be complete within the week.

Mark Garrity Jr. would have turned 29 years old on Dec. 6.