Protect Our Community. Deny Parole for Mark J. Sotka.
On July 31, 1992, Mark J. Sotka kidnapped and brutally murdered 17-year-old Angel Ormston, stabbing her multiple times and dumping her body in a ditch. After killing her and concealing his crime, he returned to his college dorm, eating pizza with friends and behaving as though nothing had happened. For months, he watched an entire community live in fear, looked people in the eye while denying any knowledge of Angel’s whereabouts, and continued living a normal college life—attending classes, going to parties, and even passing a lie detector test—while Angel’s family searched desperately for her.
Angel’s body was not discovered for another five agonizing months. During that time, Mark continued on with his life as though nothing had happened. On December 15, 1992, Angel’s badly decomposed body was finally found lying face-down in a water-filled ditch, confirming the devastating truth her family had feared since the day she disappeared.
Just two weeks later, on December 31, 1992, Mark was arrested for Angel’s kidnapping and murder. He later signed a detailed confession admitting that he punched Angel in the face and stabbed her multiple times, including twice near her heart. He killed her to protect himself—terrified that his lies and double life would be exposed. Angel paid the ultimate price for his selfishness. His actions have caused over 30 years of pain and trauma to Angel’s family, her friends, and an entire community that never stopped searching for her.
Angel was an incredible daughter, sister, friend, and neighbor—a light in every room she entered. Losing her shattered lives. Our community lost a kind, joyful young woman who was truly an angel on earth before she was taken by the hands of a thoughtless, calculating killer.
To avoid execution, Mark J. Sotka entered into a plea agreement and was sentenced in February 1993. He confessed in exchange for a plea that spared his life.
A man who commits such a brutal, premeditated murder and admits guilt to save himself should never be granted parole. His plea spared his life — it should not also grant him freedom.
At just 16 years old, I promised Angel’s family that I would fight every one of his parole attempts for the rest of my life. I honored that promise in 2013, when I led a public effort opposing his release during his first appearance before the Ohio Parole Board. The Board denied parole and ordered him to serve another ten years.
In 2023, once again, I stood before the Parole Board and urged them to protect the public and honor Angel’s life. Once again, the Board agreed and denied his release—requiring him to serve another ten-year continuance.
This case is far more complex and disturbing than what was understood in 1992, and speaking with him in 2023 made that painfully clear.
Those decisions were right then, and they remain right now. Nothing has changed to warrant Mark J. Sotka’s release. Granting parole would raise serious concerns for public safety and reopen deep and lasting trauma for Angel’s family and loved ones.
Angel’s life continues to create good in this world. In 2024, a memorial scholarship was established in her name to support young women in need, ensuring Angel is never forgotten. On November 20, 2025, what would have been Angel’s 51st birthday, A Promise Kept™ Foundation was founded in her honor to support victims, advocate for justice, and ensure no family walks this journey alone.
Love will be her legacy.
Why This Matters
This petition calls for a 10-year continuance on Mark J. Sotka’s parole eligibility. Such a decision affirms our justice system’s commitment to honoring victims and their families while protecting the public from potential harm. These decisions are not only about punishment—they reflect our values and the kind of society we choose to uphold.
Call to Action
We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the release of Mark J. Sotka.
Please join us in urging the Ohio Parole Board to deny parole and require another ten-year continuance. Angel deserved the chance to live—a chance that was violently taken from her. By signing this petition, you help honor her life, protect future lives, and affirm that justice does not fade with time.
Sign the petition. Your voice matters. Justice matters. Every signature makes a difference.
Creator
Nikki Hamilton
Victim Advocate | Founder, A Promise Kept™ Foundation
To learn more about Angel’s legacy and ongoing victim advocacy efforts:
• Angel Ormston Memorial Scholarship (2024): Link
• A Promise Kept™ Foundation: Link
https://www.change.org/p/ohio-parole-board-remember-angel-protect-our-community-deny-parole-for-mark-j-sotka
