Graphic crime scene video released in neo-Nazi's murder trial
Alana Baker | CBC News | Posted: November 7, 2013 12:44 AM | Last Updated: November 7, 2013
Medical examiner, store managers who provided surveillance footage also testified today
A judge released a video today that gave a glimpse into just how gruesome the crime scene was in a random attack in the city's northwest that left a Calgary man bleeding to death in a parking lot.
The graphic video now forms part of the Crown's case against Robert Reitmeier, a self-proclaimed white supremacist, who is facing second-degree murder charges in the October 2010 beating death of Mark Mariani.
Police said at the time that Mariani was beaten in the alley behind a strip mall at the corner of 16th Avenue and 15th Street N.W. before collapsing by his car nearby.
The medical examiner testified today that the 47-year-old died of blunt force trauma to the head.
Dr. Anny Sauvageau said Mariani had multiple injuries to his face and skull, including extensive bruising and fractures.
She said he also had multiple severe injuries to the rest of his body, including broken ribs and bleeding in his lungs.
Sauvageau testified it is impossible for the injuries to be caused by a fall, saying they were consistent with being hit, kicked or jumped on repeatedly.
Surveillance footage to be shown in court
Surveillance video from three stores in the area — an adult video store, a liquor store and a rental car location — is expected to be viewed in court tomorrow. The store owners provided the video to police.
Managers from the stores testified this morning, facing extensive questions from the defence about the technical specifications of their surveillance equipment.
The Crown alleges Mariani was an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was beaten to death behind the northwest strip mall.
Mariani also suffered from Crohn's disease. The medical examiner testified today he had a hole in his abdomen through which a bag had been attached to his digestive track at the time of the attack.
Reitmeier sat emotionless in court today, wearing a black button up shirt. He had a freshly-shaven head and face, revealing multiple tattoos.
He is facing a jury of nine women and three men.
Another man accused in the death, Tyler Sturrup, is already serving a life sentence with no parole for 10 years after pleading guilty in March.
Friends and family of Mariani filled the court today to hear the testimony along with a handful of Reitmeier's supporters.