CONVICTED DOUBLE KILLER BENJAMIN MARKI
APPEALING HIS SENTENCE
#LSN_Crime #LSN_PublicSafety Thunder Bay Countcouthouse Inside Edition
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - July 24, 2018 (LSN) Inside Edition sources state an appeal was filed with the Ontario Court of Appeal this week. Benjamin Marki is trying to get his parole eligibility reduced for the horrific stabbing deaths of Wilfred Potts and Anne Chuchmuch.
He’s not appealing his conviction, but feels his sentence was too harsh.
The appeal will be heard by the court in Toronto within 18-24 months.
BENJAMIN MARKI was arrested on Friday January 15, 2016 of as a result of a complex investigation which began on December 27, 2015 with a multi-tier resp
onse to a structural fire at a Brant Street residence in Thunder Bay. 50 year old Anne CHUCHMUCH was deceased inside the residence. 60 year old Wilfred Charles POTT was transported to hospital where he died.
The investigation involved the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office and our Criminal Investigations Branch. Post mortem examinations occurred in Toronto on December 31,2015. Evidence from the scene was sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto for examination. The identity of Anne CHUCHMUCH had to be confirmed by DNA analysis. On Friday January 15, 2016 investigators received verification from the C.F.S. lab which allowed them to confirm Anne CHUCHMUCH’s identity and proceed with charges against the accused Benjamin Ronald MARKI.
Soon after the fire, MARKI was placed on 24 hour surveillance to ensure public safety and allow police to further the investigation. MARKI was living in the same residence with the two deceased. MARKI set the residence on fire. MARKI was arrested at TBPS headquarters without incident on Friday January 16, 2016 by the Criminal Investigations Branch.
Benjamin Ronald MARKI was charged with two counts of second degree murder, arson endangering life, and committing an indignity to human remains. He was found guilty by a jury of 12 people on Friday April 20,2018
Jury recommendation for parole
- 8 jurors had no recommendation.
- 1 juror recommended 10 years
- 1 juror recommended 12 years
- 2 jurors recommended 25 years.
He was represented by local lawyer George Joseph.
He has a lengthy criminal record including penitentiary terms for armed robbery.
On Wednesday August 29, 2018, Superior Court Justice Terrance Platana sentenced Benjamin Marki to two concurrent life sentences without the eligibility of parole for 20 years.
He was sentenced to time served for the two other charges.
Crown Attorney Andrew Sadler and the TBPS team led by Dave Tinnes did a fantastic job to get this killer arrested, convicted and sentenced.
WRITER’S NOTE: I sat through this entire trial, and there is no question that BENJAMIN MARKI is a cold blooded killer who deserves more punishment than life in prison. To the families and friends of Wilfred Potts and Anne Chuchmuch, my thoughts are with you, Wilfred and Anne did nothing but help Benjamin Marki and he betrayed their kindness in theworst way possible.
It’s possible the Court of Appeal could also increase his parole eligibility. Now that would be Justice.
BENJAMIN RONALD MARKI DESERVES TO ROT IN HELL.
By Thunder Bay Courthouse Inside Editon