Where is Gregory Malarik now? NBC Dateline’s new episode explores gruesome murder of Sherri Malarik
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: In October 2023, during the second trial of the 2001 Florida homicide case of Sherri Malarik, the court acquitted suspect Gregory Malarik of the murder charges. Since then, his whereabouts have become less known.
The Pensacola News Journal reported that the prosecution argued Gregory had a motive to kill his wife and presented their version of how he allegedly committed the crime. On the other hand, the defense consistently asserted that their client was innocent.
The conflicting arguments led to a mistrial, and Gregory was ultimately declared not guilty in a case that dated back almost two decades. Despite the prosecution's efforts, the jury found insufficient evidence to convict Greg Malarik of the murder of his wife, Sherri.
In the upcoming episode of Dateline NBC, host Andrea Canning explores a chilling case involving a devoted mother who was fatally shot in her minivan in 2001. The episode delves into the details of this tragic incident, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the mother's death and the subsequent investigation to uncover the truth.
Who is Gregory Malarik?
Gregory Paul Malarik, a 61-year-old former Navy Petty Officer 1st Class employed by the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center at Naval Air Station Pensacola, was arrested by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office on July 28. He was charged with the 2001 murder of his wife, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sherri Malarik.
Gregory's decision to kill Sherri came to light during an investigation that revealed his extramarital affair with Jennifer, his co-worker at the time. Struggling with the desire to end his marriage but reluctant due to previous divorce experiences, Gregory, frustrated, discussed the idea of killing Sherri with Jennifer, proposing it as an alternative to another divorce proceeding.
Sherri Lynn Malarik's body was discovered on September 22, 2001, around 8 am, inside a Dodge Caravan parked at the Winn Dixie and Movie Gallery on 1550 South Highway 29, less than three miles from their home. This tragic event marked the beginning of a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sherri's untimely death.
What happened to Gregory Malarik after Sherri’s death?
Gregory was not immediately arrested after the murder of Sherri, despite the presence of evidence. He remained free for 19 years following the gruesome killing. Only in March 2020 did authorities apprehend him, and he was subsequently released on a $400,000 bond set by Judge Jan Shackleford.
Initially, investigators lacked enough evidence to make an arrest. It wasn't until March 2020 that new information surfaced during an interview with Gregory’s girlfriend, Jennifer Spohn. In exchange for immunity, Jennifer provided crucial details about the death, leading to Gregory's arrest.
In 2021, after more than 8 hours of deliberation, a 12-member Escambia County jury declared Greg Malarik not guilty of murdering his wife, Sherri, in 2001. This marked the second trial, following a mistrial in 2022 when the jury couldn't reach a unanimous decision.
What did Gregory Malarik’s children reveal about him?
Gregory Malarik's children testified against him, shedding light on his personality and their relationship with him after the murder of their mother. Jacob, one of Gregory's sons, shared with NBC that he and his younger brother, 'Little Greg,' were so frightened of Gregory after their mother's murder that they believed they were the next targets.
Describing their father as abusive, angry, and highly manipulative, Jacob, now 32, expressed that these traits were consistent with Gregory's character, the man accused of killing their mother.
In Jacob's words, "'Little Greg' and myself grew up sleeping with knives under our bed because we were so afraid that we might be next. We lived in constant fear that we would somehow anger him, and one day he would come in, and we would be the next victims."
Jacob further revealed that he left the household at the age of 18 and has not maintained a relationship with his stepfather since, emphasizing the lasting impact of the fear and trauma experienced during their time with Gregory.
What happened to Sherri Malarik?
Sherri Malarik met a tragic end on September 22, 2001, when her lifeless body was discovered around 8 am inside a Dodge Caravan parked at the Winn Dixie and Movie Gallery on 1550 South Highway 29, not far from the couple’s home. It was family members who made the grim discovery.
A subsequent autopsy confirmed that Sherri had been murdered, enduring two gunshot wounds to the head from a .25 caliber handgun. Her body was found in the floorboard of the van, and forensic evidence indicated she was shot while seated in the passenger seat. The discovery occurred within the van, parked by her brother-in-law, marking the tragic beginning of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sherri's untimely death.
Efforts by the NCIS Southeast Field Office, the NCIS Cold Case Homicide Unit, and the ECSO involved analyzing the crime scene, conducting witness interviews, and examining other evidentiary items. These efforts led to the conclusion that Malarik unlawfully killed his wife by shooting her in the head with a handgun while she was seated in the front passenger seat of the van.
'Dateline NBC' Season 32 airs new episodes every Friday at 8 pm ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.