Bio

Mark Valera, who was previously known as Mark van Krevel, was born on April 24, 1979. He grew up in Albion Park, New South Wales, Australia. Little is known about his early life. However, it is reported that Mark faced significant challenges during his childhood.

He claimed that his father, Jack van Krevel, physically and sexually abused him. These experiences were said to have a lasting impact on Mark. He described his upbringing as troubled, which may have contributed to his later actions.

Mark moved around Albion Park and the nearby area during his youth. He lived in several different places. Despite his difficult home life, there are no records of him being involved with the police before his arrest.

As a teenager, Mark was known to have friends and was part of the local community. His life took a drastic turn in 1998 when he became involved in events that led to serious crimes.

Mark Valera's family also faced tragedy later in life. After his conviction, his father was found murdered. This incident highlighted the ongoing difficulties within his family, but Mark’s troubled early life is the main focus of his background.

Murder Story

Mark Mala Valera, also known as Mark van Krevel, committed two murders in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, in 1998. The first victim was David John O'Hearn, a 59-year-old man. Valera murdered him on June 12, 1998, in O'Hearn's home. O'Hearn was beaten to death with a wine decanter and then decapitated. His severed head was found later in the kitchen sink. Valera cut off O'Hearn's hand and mutilated his body. He also used O'Hearn's hand to draw pictures on the living room walls.

The second murder took place on June 26, 1998, when Frank Arkell, a 62-year-old former mayor and member of the New South Wales State Parliament, was killed in his home. Valera struck Arkell with a bedside lamp and wrapped the lamp's electric cord around his neck. Additionally, Valera placed tie pins in Arkell's eyes and cheeks.

Valera confessed to the murders three months later, on October 1, 1998, at the Wollongong Police Station. During his trial in 2000, he claimed that his actions were influenced by his traumatic childhood. He was found guilty of both murders and received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on December 21, 2000.

Valera is currently serving his sentence at Goulburn Correctional Centre.