The fourth day of testimony has unfolded in the trial of Tasieer Zarka, a downtown Raleigh supermarket owner charged with the fatal stabbing of a customer, Mark Garrity, during an alleged shoplifting attempt involving a Gatorade bottle.
Zarka, who is accused of stabbing 27-year-old Garrity to death in April 2023, faces a charge of second-degree murder but claims he acted in self-defense.
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During the proceedings, the prosecution called nine witnesses on Thursday, with a strong focus on forensic evidence and newly presented surveillance footage.
The video shows Garrity attempting to steal a drink, leading to a scuffle between him and Zarka. Garrity, wearing a striped shirt, can be seen with his hands in the ice cream cooler when Zarka approaches. The two engage in a fight that lasts for at least two minutes, with Garrity resisting Zarka's attempts to see what's in his bag.
After being stabbed, Garrity runs out of the store, and within minutes, Zarka is seen mopping up the blood-soaked floor.
Jurors were also shown graphic photographs of Garrity's blood-soaked clothing and crime scene images from Zarka’s store, including blood stains and splatter across various surfaces.
Additional images presented included a four-inch pocket knife identified as the weapon used in the stabbing and photos of Zarka with blood on his clothing shortly after the incident.
Crime Scene Investigator Eileen Einhorn testified about what she saw while processing the scene.
"I saw blood on plastic bags on the counter, and the floor had red streak marks," Einhorn recounted.
Garrity suffered three stab wounds, with the fatal one being a 4-inch deep cut to his heart, according to doctors.
Testimony has also revealed a statement Zarka allegedly made to a Raleigh police officer, where he described Garrity as “trying to be a tough guy.”
Zarka is anticipated to take the stand in his defense. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.