SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A former professional skateboarder convicted of raping and murdering a woman in Carlsbad nearly three decades ago has had his parole reversed.
Gov. Gavin Newsom reversed parole for Mark “Gator” Rogowski this week, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Rogowski will remain in prison, as California releases thousands of prisoners to stop the spread of the coronavirus in corrections facilities.
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The former world champion skateboarder was granted parole in December 2019, after being denied in 2011 and 2016.
In 1991, Rogowski was convicted of beating Jessica Bergsten into semi-consciousness with a metal rod, before he raped her, wrapped her in a surfboard bag, and strangled her to death. He later buried her naked body in the desert.
Bergsten was a friend of Rogowski's ex-girlfriend and the crime was reportedly an act of "misplaced revenge" after his break-up.
Rogowksi was due to be released based on his remorse for the crime, lack of significant criminal history, good behavior in custody, and rehabilitation programs he has completed during his time in prison.
