Convicted Killer Loses Appeal

There will be no appeal for a convicted killer who stabbed a Lemont man to death after a marijuana deal turned sour.

Tyler Marlatt attacked Tyler Struble during a bloody struggle in Struble’s backyard. Both men were 20-years-old at the time.

Marlatt was convicted on murder, robbery and aggravated assault charges in November 2012. His sentence of life without parole has been upheld by the state Superior Court.

Prosecutors say that in January 2012, Marlatt and his girlfriend Fatima Ghoul were selling marijuana out of their State College apartment. Marlatt became angry with Struble, after Struble shortchanged Ghoul in a drug deal.

Marlatt and Ghoul went to Struble’s Lemont house where a fight ensured. Prosecutors say Marlatt stabbed Struble multiple times with a hunting knife.

The Superior Court rejected Marlatt’s argument that prosecutors should not have been able to introduce information about the couple’s drug dealing during Marlatt’s trial.

Superior Court Judge Jacqueline O. Shogan wrote, “There would have been no means by which the Commonwealth could have tried this case without reference to drugs and (Marlatt’s) involvement in selling drugs.”

Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller says she’s pleased with the court’s decision.

“While we never have to prove motive for murder, in this case it was as clear as it was pathetic,” Parks Miller said in a news release. “Marlatt took a life to violently protect his faltering drug operation and ‘show-off’ his prowess to his girlfriend over $25 worth of marijuana.”

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