2023 Village Voice, LLC. Rogowskis sentence restricted his parole eligibility until 2010 at the earliest. [3] After four years of dating McClain, Rogowski suggested the couple marry, proclaiming they "can't have sex anymore unless we get married." A skateboarder and former professional surfer who lived just two blocks from Gator and Brandi, Constantino had suffered an accident similar to Gators four years earlier. Deals and discounts in Bakeware you dont want to miss. I found this hot little blond surfer guy, 6-1. Find the best deals on HDTVs, UHD TVs, & 4KTVs from your favorite brands. I miss the music videos and all the awesomeness they used to bring. As she stared at the picture, Gator snuck up behind her, hitting her two or three times in the head and face with the metal steering-wheel lock. Crazy or sick. But let me put more emphasis on the fact that it was babysitters and older neighborhood kids.. Then, you lived in license and debauchery, drunkenness, revelry, and tippling, and the forbidden worship of idols. I think youll find that most skaters wont even talk about Gator.. ', Constantino remembers what he told Gator as he drove him to the police department in the early morning of May 5. In the eighties, a teenage Mark Rogowski rode to superstardom alongside Tony Hawk, but as his popularity waned, Rogowski became a manic, violent binge drinker. Find the best deals on Women's Handbags & Wallets from your favorite brands. Mark Anthony "Gator" Rogowski (born August 10, 1966)[1] is an American former professional skateboarder who was convicted of murder. He was the first skateboarder to receive his own 'pro-deck' by Vision Sports, and his pro-deck proved popular and was soon followed by the Mark Gonzales and Tom Groholski models. (Sounds like the name of an '80s song, or album, or band! Shop our favorite Makeup finds at great prices. It was rad, more amped, and all the kids wanted to be a part of it. His voice got all deep and, you know, he sounded like the devil. SAN DIEGO A San Diego County Parole board granted parole to former professional skateboarder and 1980's skating icon Mark "Gator" Rogowski on June 14 for . Keep the Faith in Truth my friend! Glad you're well and still as. Until that ruling is issued, Rogowski will remain incarcerated at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Find the stunning girl from Simply Reds Somethings Got Me Started video. ''I heard that he'd killed his girlfriend, then I heard that he'd killed his girlfriend's sister, then I heard he was on cocaine and chopped up a girl,'' Helen Stickler, a New York filmmaker, said recently. If a person is accountable to God, then hes accountable to society the Bible says that., Constantino scoffs at the idea that perhaps his legal advice wasnt the best. In the 1980s, Mark Gator Rogowski was right behind Tony Hawk as the most popular up-and-coming skateboarder in America. Mark "Gator" Ragowski. ", "How skateboard king Mark "Gator" Anthony was born again as a rapist and a murderer", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mark_Rogowski&oldid=1147252137, American sportspeople convicted of crimes, Short description is different from Wikidata, BLP articles lacking sources from July 2014, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2014, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Inmate voluntarily waived the right to a hearing for 1 year, The inmate's petition to advance his next parole suitability hearing date was approved, The inmate's grant of parole was reversed, Top 5 at the Vans/Offshore Amateur State Finals (California) for the boys 11-13 division, 1980, 4th Place, Del Mar Freestyle Contest, 1982, 2nd Place, Whittier Freestyle Contest, 1982, 1st Place, Canadian Amateur Skate-boarding Championships, Vancouver, British Columbia, 1982, 1st Place, Del Mar NSA Spring Contest, 1984, 6th Place, NSA Summer Series at Upland Skatepark, Upland, CA 1984, 6th Place, East Coast Assault, Virginia Beach, VA, 1986, 7th Place, NSA Chicago Blowout, Chicago, IL, 1986, 3rd Place, Vision Ramp N' Rage Down South, 1987, 9th Place, Vision Street Wear US Skateboard Championships, 1988, 1st Place Tracker Bluegrass Aggression Session, Louisville, KY 1988, This page was last edited on 29 March 2023, at 19:10. Waiting in his living room, Jessica looked at the picture on his mantel, where Gator proudly displayed his favorite picture a shot of him skydiving, facing the camera, screaming at the top of his lungs while plummeting to earth. Despite his ardor for Brandi, when he was alone hed walk up to beautiful women on the beach, say, Hi Im Gator, and instantly have their undivided attention. She was the one I killed! Yet something drove Gator to confess his crime. He talked to her friends, he even met with Gator to ask about her whereabouts. It was also a favorite place for Constantino and Gator to preach their message of Christianity to young kids hanging out. These are the best Home Audio deals youll find online. He made me a good baseball player and an athlete in general. . Only his disembodied voice, measured and haunting, floats through the documentary. ''I had to do everything I could to break down that journalist/convict barrier or he was never going to trust me,'' she said. Challenges to find folks must be frequent . ''Everyone had their 2 cents about Gator,'' she said. Brandi just didnt get it. I don't know how people go through life on their own; on the other hand, I was in their showed at one time seeming the Truth of all things. Rogowski was soon featured on the cover of Thrasher magazine for the first time in June 1984 [5] and he would go on to be featured on the cover of Transworld Skateboarding in October 1985. January 16, 2021 Mark Rogowski was better known as "Gator," his skateboarding persona in the late 1900s. mallgrabber. Documentary Crime In 1991, Brandi McClain falls in love with a handsome and famous skateboarder known as "Gator." Though Gator claims to find God with the help of a well-meaning preacher, no one knows that his dark side lurks dangerously close to the surface. Find the best deals on Gear from your favorite brands. Rogowski was a popular skateboarder throughout the 1980s, but his career suffered as the 1990s rolled along due to his worsening addiction to alcohol and the sport's diminishing commercial prospects. [10] According to Rogowski, he and Bergsten went back to his condo to watch movies, smoke weed, and drink wine. The Gator who emerged from the San Diego hospital shocked his friends and admirers. We handle hundreds of parole hearings each year, fighting when it's appropriate to make sure dangerous criminals are not released and crime victims are given a voice.". But one night soon after he was incarcerated, inmates crowded around a television to hear Gators story on Hard Copy. She wanted to have fun and nothing else mattered. He was featured on the covers of both magazines again in July & October 1987 as well. Moment commuter blasts eco-zealots, Royal superfans camping on The Mall ahead of King's Coronation, Women's rights activists and pro-trans campaigners separated, Saboteurs wreck Russian train cut power cables 37mi from Ukraine, Cambridge students party in the park during annual celebrations, Historic chairs to be reused by the King for the coronation service, Hundreds of Household Division members rehearse for coronation, Braverman: People crossing Channel are 'at odds with British values', Ukraine drone strike hits major fuel depot in port Sevastopol. In the form of sex, actual sex with people. For them to see me with this woman and all that had been going on the wine bottles, the cigarettes upstairs it would have been devastating. It was not until she showed up at his San Diego prison in September 1997 that Mr. Rogowski made himself available. Published: 22:51 EDT, 14 April 2021 | Updated: 02:38 EDT, 15 April 2021. [2], Rogowski was born in Brooklyn, New York, but he moved to Escondido, California, at the age of three after his parents divorced. Save up to 50% on Trending when you shop now. By the time he was finally released from the hospital, Gator had morphed into a passionate Christian, according to the LA Times. I dont want to defame Jessica at all. Sea World water skiing superheroes2013? In what form? Save up to 50% on Pets when you shop now. Devon made the comment about "first female against 200+ men, manywith longer hair than me". He accepted responsibility for his acts, accepted responsibility for sexual activities outside of marriage, for his promiscuity, and for not following the word of the Bible. Its really hard for me to say these things about Jessica, we lost her and I dont feel good about that. My wife and I were with him two or three days every week for months setting this deal up. O.K., perhaps the imprisonment of your best friend or relative?, I know the Lord forgave me 2000 years ago on the cross at Calvary. She aged very well. I, like a lot of people have had some trying times and hardships but knowing God will never give me more than I can handle has made it easier to handle. She also played "Sarah" in SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE III. He boasted of being a roving ambassador, telling skating magazines how he was going to turn the whole non-skating world on to the sport. Rogowski also confessed that his acts reflected his anger towards his former girlfriend, Brandi McClain, and their break-up. You will be moved", "A rich overview of this bizarre historical controversy deftly navigates topics like childhood in the early 20th century, the media and the influence of celebrity culture, and the history of photography a strong nonfiction choice", "With a crisp and engaging style, Nobleman relates this fascinating story Young readers are bound to be intrigued", "Engaging A fascinating introduction to one of the greatest hoaxes of all time, deftly pitched to elementary-age children", "Will leave children guessing until the end", "A seamless blend of both frolics and facts fuels suspense part accidental trickster tale, part unforgettable fairy tale, all true, this will have kids reaching for cameras of their own in no time". With ''Stoked'' finally on her rsum, Ms. Stickler, who said she had invested $500,000 of her own money into the film (savings, ''some grants and lots of credit cards''), is already scouting out new projects. This fact is often misconstrued. Months later, she was informed about Jessicas death and Marks involvement in it. Rogowski confessed to the killing weeks later. Rogowski is currently in prison on a 31-year to life sentence for raping and murdering Jessica Bergsten in 1991. What's wrong with that? To this end, every visitor at the trial was examined with hand-held metal detectors. He and his beautiful live-in girlfriend, Brandi McClain,. First let me say that it wasnt only incest. Also: Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, "Fast pacedfunimpressive and fascinating. PPE on the Great White Way: Karen Finley Commemorates Disaster, Review: New York, New York Makes It Here, Review: Peter Pan Goes Wrong Bludgeons With Wit, What Was Once Underground: Vintage Weed Ads From The Heyday. These are the best Smartphones deals youll find online. Mark Anthony Gator Rogowski (born August 10, 1966) was a prominent professional skateboarder in the 1980s and very early 1990s. Following the end of his relationship with McClain, Rogowski was jealous: He entered her home to steal gifts he had given her, he made threatening telephone calls to McClain's new boyfriend, and he also threatened McClain directly. Thus was born the man known as the skateboard minister. In his stonewashed jeans, cowboy boots, and bolero jacket, he stands out from his fellow Calvary Chapel parishioners. With his green eyes and dark, lean good looks, charming personality, and aggressively physical skating style, he rose to the top rank of the sport. So of course that appealed to Mark. It was around this time that Gator started calling himself Mark Anthony instead of Mark Anthony Rogowski, because, as he later said, I didnt want to be associated with my father at all., When Gators wounds healed, he joined Constantino. Tom Petty should have consulted Stacy about getting a pro skater for the video. I was in Hawaii out drinking with some other pro surfers, says Constantino. Tweet about this interview to @tompetty, @benchten, and, Real research question: if you know the Annie Hubbard who was in 1984 Night Ranger video Sister Christian, pls contact @MarcTNobleman, Real research question: if you know the woman, Real research question: if you know womaneven just her namein 87 Richard Marx video Shouldve Known Better, pls contact @MarcTNobleman. Anyway, Im not an ordained minister. [14] On April 27, 2020, Rogowski's parole grant was reversed by Governor Gavin Newsom, stating Rogowski needed to gain a "deeper understanding" of his crimes. Soon he was flying her to San Diego to visit him, and a few months later, she left Tucson for good and moved in with Gator. She is alive and well. Augie Constantino is continuing his studies to be a minister, while cleaning up the Calvary Chapel. Stoked: The Rise And Fall Of Gator charts '80s skateboarding legend-turned-convict Mark "Gator" Rogowski's transformation from local hero to international superstar. This comment has been removed by the author. Gator boasted to friends that while touring the South he would walk into liquor stores and 7-Elevens stark naked, rob them, then get drunk in the cornfields while police helicopters searched for him overhead. [3], Rogowski received a 31-year to life prison sentence: six years for forcible rape and 25 years to life for the first-degree murder charges to be served consecutively.[3][11]. The girl in the video is Brandi McClain, Mark's girlfriend. Street skaters wore their pants around the knees, eschewed protective pads and helmets and counted on frequent run-ins with the police. In 2019, the parole board reportedly recommended that Rogowski be paroled, but California Governor Gavin Newsom overruled the decision. A San Diego County prosecutor on Thursday described international skateboard champion Mark (Gator) Rogowski as a jilted lover who allegedly raped, tortured and murdered his ex-girlfriend's best. Deals and discounts in Tech & Electronics you dont want to miss. Two months went by without any leads. But the cash didnt end there; he also had his contest winnings and lent his name to a slew of products made by Vision Sport, a skateboard merchandising company. A must-have", "Uniqueeye-catchingengagingly toldcomplex and thoroughwill be a hit", "Seriously researchedso memorablelush, emotive brushwork[the book] will make the lasting impression [Bill Finger] deserves", "Purposefully and meaningfully (and beautifully) written", "Absolutely fascinatingamazing research". [6], At the height of his fame, Rogowski was being paid "between $4,000 and $8,000 a month" for clothing and skateboarding equipment endorsements. As he drove back to Carlsbad, he tossed her bloodstained clothes, his sheets, and the club out the window. No doubt, we were stoked.. It caused my black heart to melt. The fact is that it wasnt rape. Rogowski was [also] upset that his relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Brandi McClain, was also coming to an end. He was an icon.''. Bergsten's body was found by campers on April 10, 1991, but it was so decomposed, it could not be identified. She was the one I killed. Publicly discussing the fate of Mark Rogowski, a legendary skateboarder in the 1980's now serving 31 years in prison for murder and rape, was long considered taboo. Gator spared no expense on Brandi. Skateboard parks were erected across the planet. But there were also bumper stickers that read Skateboarding Is Not a Crime Murder Is. How Skateboard King Mark Gator Anthony Was Born Again As a Rapist and Murderer. He rose to fame at an early age, but he soon became infamous owing to the rape and murder of his former girlfriend Brandi McClain's friend Jessica Bergsten. Skatings no more inherently violent than heavy metal is inherently satanic. Hello Joe, I LOVE your message! [15], In June 2022, a San Diego County Parole Board granted Rogowski parole with his attorney citing "the parole board's 'trained psychologist found him to be a low risk of danger to the public.'" Nobleman is equally adept at both stories. A well-known 1980's skateboarder Mark Anthony Rogowski's career and life were in a downward spiral and fell apart after he raped and killed Jessica Bergsten. On March 9, 2016, he was again denied parole for seven years. On Wednesday, March 20, Jessica and Gator had lunch at an Italian restaurant in La Jolla, then returned to his condo with some movies and a few bottles of wine. There were Gator stories, Gator spreads, full-page Gator ads he was a hero to us. In 1987 Rogowski was introduced to 15-year-old Brandi McClain and her close friend Jessica Bergsten while skating at a show in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was getting old, Newell told the San Diego Union, but he was keeping up with the moves., Skatings more established wing reacted with a bit more shock. When he was three years old, his parents divorced, and he moved to Escondido, California. Mark was devastated, says Constantino. It was a terrible event for skateboarding, says Gladstone. As she was getting ready to leave, Gator went to his car, ostensibly to see if his drivers license was there. They were the hottest couple on the beach. We would go to Mexico together, and she would, say, get so drunk that she would leave me there. Deals and discounts in Cookbooks you dont want to miss. Born Mark Anthony Rogowski in Brooklyn, he moved with his mother and older brother to San Diego at age three, following his parents divorce. The screen for King Charles' coronation anointing is revealed, 'You motherf***ers don't understand': Bam Margera details 'turmoil', Russian freight train derails and bursts into flames after explosion, 'We're not your enemies!' Shop the best selection of deals on Food Storage now. When the police announced Gators confession, the press jumped all over it. Bergstens efforts were to no avail. Find the best deals on More Pets Supplies from your favorite brands. These guys were so into it, having such a good time, sweatin and laughin and crackin jokes and just snakin each other. Gender: Male Religion: Born-Again Christian Race or Ethnicity: White . AKA Mark Anthony Rogowski. On March 10, 1992, Rogowski was sentenced to 31 years to life behind bars for the 1991 killing of 22-year-old Jessica Bergsten, who was struck over the head with a metal steering wheel lock, raped and suffocated. I met Mark just before he left for Germany, says Constantino from the office he keeps in the back of the church. Thank you for this - Ive always wondered who this bright eyed young woman was. I feel so bad for both of those women," Arquette commented on Twitter. Gator gave tips to beginners in Sports Illustrated for Kids. At the January 1992 hearing in which he entered his plea, Gator submitted a remarkable four-page written statement that hinted at the struggle going on in his mind before his crime, during its commission, and afterward. On March 20, 1991, Gator received a call from McClains friend, Jessica Bergsten. Stay rooted in Christ and pray. The skater later confessed that he hit Bergsten in the back of the head with a metal car steering wheel lock and tied her to his bed before raping her. Gator and Brandi were inseparable. They ended up in Escondido, a sun baked, middle-class suburb in northern San Diego County. Mark would often fly Brandi to San Diego to visit him. The trial ended with Superior Court Judge Thomas J. Whelan sentencing Rogowski to consecutive six years for forcible rape and 25 years to life for first-degree murder. Don't lose faith! But on one fateful day in 1991, Rogowski threw it all away. How Tucker Carlson's wife Susan Andrews has remained fiercely loyal to the fired Fox News host throughout their 32-year marriage - after meeting him while they were teens and quitting her job as a teacher to raise their four children. But she later revealed that her disastrous second date was with former professional skateboarder Mark 'Gator' Rogowski, who would later confess to brutally raping and murdering his acquaintance Jessica Bergsten in 1991 when she was only 22 years old. I guess I lost. The quadriceps in his right leg were severed, ending his pro surfing career. promiscuity, premarital sex and cohabitation, the disease of jealousy, and the unhealthy obsession that so often attaches to these. Jessicas body had been found in the desert by some campers on April 10, but the body was so badly decomposed that it could not be identified. Except Mr. Rogowski, who ignored Ms. Stickler's initial entreaties. But it is clear from the film's opening minutes that Ms. Stickler's effort is not the feel-good retrospective that was Stacy Peralta's documentary hit, ''Dogtown and Z-Boys,'' a chronicle of the 1960's-70's skate scene in Venice and Santa Monica, Calif. A chilling voice states, ''I have a call from an inmate at a California State corrections facility.'' Unfortunately, she said, ''it's a perishable currency.''. Thank God., Finally able to express my regret and my sorrow over our loss of Jessica, Gator tried to explain why hed done what he did. Bergsten was a good friend of his ex Brandi McClain, though the two aren't. He landed on a wrought-iron fence, impaling his neck, face, and thumb. God has changed me, and it was no typical jailhouse conversion. . For many in the world of skateboarding, it was a scab better left untouched. An obvious talent, young Gator was picked up by the skatepark team and began winning local contests. For years Gator was skateboardings biggest star. In a documentary titled Stoked The Rise and Fall of Gator, writer, director, and producer Helen Stickler shows the rise and fall of Marks career as a skateboarder. mr_scary. . She screamed that she couldnt breathe. He started covering his boards with religious symbols and preaching to skaters, surfers, and anyone else who would listen about his secret friend, Jesus. Tony Hawk Just Won the Internet With a Heartwarming Gesture for a Young Fan. He murdered the best friend ofthe girl in the video. He took it all back, including the car, says Terry Jensen, an investigator from the San Diego County district attorneys office, to whom Brandi later recounted the story. Rogowski somehow survived the fall, but he was never the same person following the accident. Gator started calling her mothers house, leaving messages on the answering machine. I just want to make it known that I was led into a sexual situation that I didnt want to have anything to do with. Those who visit Gator in prison are struck at first by how truly repentant he seems, sitting in his cell in a loose-fitting navy-blue jumpsuit with SD JAIL stamped on the back, his once wild long hair now shorn and carefully combed, as he talks about his fall from grace.