Taz Zarka expected to testify in his own defense during murder trial

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Friday, December 13, 2024 8:20PM
Judge will allow jury to visit crime scene in Taz Zarka trial
The prosecution rested its case Friday morning after multiple days of testimony in the trial of a Raleigh convenience store owner.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Taiseer "Taz" Zarka is expected to testify in his own defense before the murder trial against him concludes.

Zarka answered a slew of standard questions from the judge when he indicated that he wanted to testify. The questions are meant to make sure the defendant understands their rights and is making the decision to testify without any prejudice. Zarka is expected to take the stand sometime Monday.

The trial began earlier this week. It's over the April 2023 killing of Mark Garrity Jr. He was a customer in Zarka's Raleigh convenience store who was accused of stealing a Gatorade.

That accusation escalated and ended with Garrity being stabbed multiple times.

Zarka's defense team called a couple Raleigh police officers to testify Friday. They both spoke to Zarka's character and said they were frequently called to the store for minor disturbances.

"I think he's an outstanding citizen. I do think that he is well respected from the community. I hear the interaction between a lot of patrons that come in," officer Daniel Rosa testified.

"From my experience, this is a very peaceful person considering the clientele that he has to interact with," officer Timothy Howard testified.

The defense also asked the judge to allow the jury to take a field trip to visit the convenience store where the stabbing happened. After much debate between the judge, defense and prosecution, the judge agreed to allow the field trip later in the trial.

When the trial concludes, the jury will have to determine if Zarka is guilty of second-degree murder. If convicted, Zarka could face up to 20 years in prison.

The prosecution rested its case Friday morning after multiple days of testimony and video evidence showing the altercation between Zarka and Garrity.

Previous testimony

In a previous police interview, Zarka told investigators that he reacted in self-defense because he felt threatened when Garrity reached into his back pocket during an argument in April 2023.

Prosecutors have spent the last two days calling witnesses and showing video of the argument between Zarka and Garrity.

Zarka said he had just arrived at his store after undergoing chemotherapy for cancer when he said he noticed Garrity stealing.

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Zarka approached Garrity and said he was verbally threatened with a gun and punched multiple times.

"I'm not taking any chances," Zarka told officers.

Zarka later said he was sorry and felt bad for the victim's family.

"I am really sorry -- he's a human being," Zarka said.

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