In a shocking case that has left the Ontario community reeling, a man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his common-law partner. Mark Burrell, 44, was convicted of second-degree murder after fatally stabbing his partner, Amber Cobean, 30, with over 50 stab wounds, mostly to her head. The incident occurred on February 1, 2019, following an argument between the couple on their way home from a night at a Niagara Falls Casino.
Described by her family as a "pillar of joy and warmth," Amber Cobean's tragic death has left a void in the lives of her loved ones. She was a loving mother to their then-seven-year-old daughter and was known for her kindness and willingness to help others. Cobean had ambitious plans to open a mobile beauty salon catering to seniors in addition to working two jobs and caring for her family.
The court heard that after the brutal attack, Burrell drove to the parking lot of a retirement residence in Grimsby and called 911. Cobean was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries. During the seven-day jury trial held in June at the Superior Court of Justice in St. Catharines, Burrell was found guilty of second-degree murder.
On Monday, Judge James Ramsay handed down a life sentence to Burrell with no possibility of parole for 15 years. The judge emphasized the extreme brutality of the crime, describing it as "particularly egregious." He also noted that parole eligibility does not guarantee parole considering the severity of the offense.
Assistant Crown attorney Henry Limheng argued that Burrell should not be eligible for parole until after serving 25 years highlighting the particularly brutal nature of the attack. Defense lawyer Hussein Aly advocated for parole eligibility after 12 years, pointing out that Burrell had contacted emergency services after the incident and did not flee the scene.
Multiple victim impact statements were submitted to the court, painting a heartbreaking picture of the loss and devastation caused by Cobean's murder. Family members described her as a loving mother, a beloved family member, and a pillar of joy and warmth. A paramedic who attended the scene also submitted a statement, emphasizing the unimaginable evil displayed in the crime.
This was not Burrell's first encounter with the law. The court heard that he had a criminal record for violent crimes and had spent a significant portion of his life in jail. In 2003, Burrell was charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in a home invasion that resulted in the shooting death of a 21-year-old man. He was ultimately found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to nine years behind bars.
The sentencing of Burrell has brought some closure to Cobean's family, but the pain and loss they have endured will never fully heal. The court's decision reflects the severity of the crime and the lasting impact it has had on the victim's loved ones.