Parole was denied today for a former professional skateboarder from Carlsbad convicted in 1992 of raping and murdering his ex-girlfriend and dumping her body in the desert.
Mark “Gator” Rogowski, 44, was denied parole for the next seven years by the state Board of Parole Hearings.
He was convicted 19 years ago of raping and murdering Jessica Bergsten and sentenced to 31 years to life in prison. Today was Rogowski’s first parole hearing.
Deputy District Attorney Richard Sachs told the Board of Parole Hearings today that Rogowski remains an unreasonable risk of danger to society.
“I’m proud of our office’s work to keep this inmate behind bars where he belongs,” said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.
Rogowski was a nationally-known skateboard personality who rose to prominence in the 1980s.
On March 21, 1991, Rogowski raped and murdered the 22-year-old Bergsten and transported her body to a remote desert area, where her skeletal remains were found several weeks later, authorities said.
At the time of the murder, Bergsten had broken up with Rogowski, and authorities believe Rogowski was upset over being jilted by his girlfriend.
According to authorities, Rogowski hit Bergsten in the head with a steering wheel locking device, raped her and suffocated her in a surfboard bag.
He confessed to the crime weeks later, authorities said.
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