A Colorado judge sentenced a Cortez man Friday to the near-maximum punishment after he admitted last year to murdering Mark Wayman execution-style near Ignacio.
District Court Judge Todd Norvell sentenced Robert Dean Rose, 50, of Cortez to 46 of a possible 48 years in state prison for what the judge called a “brutal killing.” While Rose could be released for good behavior before serving all 46 years, he’s also been ordered to five years of parole.
The murder “was no accident,” Norvell said. And although Rose’s attorneys said their client is unsure why he killed Wayman, the judge said, “There was some dispute about debt.” Wayman was found partially buried on his Ignacio property with gunshot wounds to the back of his neck and head.
Barrie Newberger King, Rose’s public defense lawyer, said issues with mental health and substance abuse led her client to do “something so horrific.” The public defender argued that Rose “is not a violent person” and said “he did not want me to provide an excuse” for the murder.
In a brief statement to the judge, Rose said, “No matter what I say, it’s not going to bring Mark (Wayman) back. I am truly sorry this happened.” He wiped his eyes with a tissue after addressing the judge, his movement restricted by a shackle on his wrist.
Cindy Quinn told the judge she and Wayman were talking about moving in together and getting married before his death. She has since “fallen into a world of depression and sadness,” Quinn said.
“I beg you to take the fight out of Dean and keep him in a Colorado state penitentiary for as long as the court allows,” she told the judge. “I feel afraid.”
Dorrance “Woody” Woodbrey said in an interview that he was friends with Wayman for 42 years. Wayman “was an excellent mountaineer” who was “a person that could be trusted on a rope holding my life and his,” Woodbrey said after Rose was sentenced.
Assistant District Attorney David Ottman complimented La Plata County Sheriff’s Office for a “thorough and complete” investigation. Rose took the plea in part, Ottman told the judge, to avoid putting Wayman’s family and friends through a trial process that could uncover traumatic details about the murder.
Newberger King said Rose had a “steadfast commitment to taking responsibility” for the murder. “He has shown remorse,” she said. Norvell, after imposing sentence, said: “Mr. Rose, you’re going to pay for this for a really long time. Find something positive to do with your life, you at least owe that to Mr. Wayman.”
Quinn said in an interview after the hearing: “A monster is in a cage. I really want to thank law enforcement and the state of Colorado. Justice was served.”
bhauff@durangoherald.com
