Mark Gooch was a predator who stalked and killed a young woman named Sasha Krause in Arizona.
He was a member of the Mennonite community, a religious group that lives a simple and traditional lifestyle.
He had a fascination with violence and death, and he targeted Sasha because she was also a Mennonite.
On January 18, 2020, Sasha left her home to go to church, but she never returned.
Her family and friends reported her missing and searched for her for weeks.
Meanwhile, Mark Gooch drove to New Mexico with Sasha’s body in his car and dumped it in a remote area.
He then returned to Arizona and tried to act normal.
However, his actions did not go unnoticed by the authorities.
They traced his phone records and found that he had traveled to New Mexico on the same day that Sasha disappeared.
They also found blood and hair in his car that matched Sasha’s DNA.
They arrested him and interrogated him about the murder.
At first, Mark Gooch denied any involvement and claimed that he had never met Sasha.
He said that he had gone to New Mexico to visit a friend and that he had no idea what happened to her.
He also said that he was a good Christian and that he would never hurt anyone.
But as the evidence mounted against him, he realized that he had no way out.
He broke down and confessed to the crime.
He said that he had seen Sasha at church and followed her home.
He then kidnapped her at gunpoint and drove her to New Mexico.
He said that he had sexually assaulted her and shot her in the head.
He said that he did it because he was angry at God and at the Mennonite community.
Mark Gooch was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, theft, and sexual assault.
He faced the possibility of life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.
He pleaded not guilty and went to trial in October 2021.
The trial lasted for two weeks and featured testimonies from witnesses, experts, and family members of both Mark Gooch and Sasha Krause.
The prosecution presented evidence of Mark Gooch’s motive, opportunity, and means to commit the murder.
They also showed videos of his confession and his reaction when he learned that Sasha’s body had been found.
The defense tried to cast doubt on the reliability of the evidence and the credibility of the confession.
They argued that Mark Gooch had been coerced into admitting something he did not do.
They also suggested that he had mental health issues and that he was not fully aware of his actions.
The jury deliberated for less than a day before reaching a verdict.
They found Mark Gooch guilty of all charges.
As the verdict was read aloud in court, Mark Gooch showed no emotion.
He just stared blankly ahead, knowing that he would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Sasha Krause’s family and friends expressed relief and gratitude for the justice that was served.
They said that they hoped that Mark Gooch would repent for his sins and find peace with God.
They also said that they forgave him for what he did, but they would never forget their beloved Sasha.
