TRENTON,N.J. – A former olympic boxer was convicted Wednesday of murdering his three-year-old daughter and illegally dumping her body in Bloomingdale Park, New York, in october 2019. Mark “The Truth” Ford,39,of Trenton,was found guilty of aggravated manslaughter and unlawful disposal of human remains following a trial in Mercer County Superior Court.
The case gained national attention after the discovery of little Zara ford’s remains and revealed a tragic intersection of domestic disputes,parental rights,and the devastating consequences of violence. Ford, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, now faces a critically important prison sentance for the death of his daughter, a case that underscores the vulnerability of children in fraught family situations.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing Ford killed Zara during a period of escalating conflict with the child’s mother. While the exact circumstances of Zara’s death remain contested, the jury found Ford responsible for her death and subsequent concealment of her body, which was found in a wooded area of Bloomingdale Park on October 20, 2019.
according to SILive.com,Zara’s mother,Ola Salem,was a dedicated advocate for women experiencing domestic violence,volunteering at the Asiyah Women’s Center. She was described by friends as “headstrong” and “emotionally clever.” “She could look at someone and know exactly what they’re feeling and know exactly what to say to make that person smile,” said Dania Darwish, the co-founder and executive director of the Muslim women and family’s shelter.Salem herself was found dead in Bloomingdale Park in 2019, though her death was ruled a suicide and not connected to Ford’s actions.
Ford had previously been involved in a custody dispute with Salem. Evidence presented at trial included text messages and witness testimony detailing a volatile relationship and concerns about Ford’s behavior.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2024. Ford faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter conviction and an additional term for the improper disposal of remains.