Husband pleads guilty in 2010 death of wife, who was Molasky Middle School teacher

A 51-year-old Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder for the November 2010 slaying of his schoolteacher wife.

Mark Franta pleaded guilty last week via an Alford plea, which means that he didn't admit guilt but acknowledged prosecutors could prove their case against him.

A sentencing hearing was set for May 10 before District Judge Michelle Leavitt. Franta faces 10 years to life in prison.

Authorities said Marybeth Franta, a teacher at Molasky Middle School in the northwest valley, returned home the evening of Nov. 13, 2010, after attending a wedding and argued with her husband, who had been drinking. They alleged Mark Franta then strangled his wife.

Mark Franta was to stand trial on a charge of open murder. A jury would have decided whether to convict him of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter or to acquit him.

Las Vegas police said video footage from two businesses recorded Mark Franta early Nov. 14 near the place where his wife's body was found.

Later that day, Mark Franta reported his wife missing. He was arrested three days later.

There had been no documented instances of domestic violence during the couple's marriage of more than 20 years. But family friends said there had been recent friction because Mark Franta, an ironworker, had lost his job.

Marybeth Franta's death shocked many , including Molasky students and colleagues and members of the local equestrian community. She was a former director of the Nevada State Horsemen's Association.

Mark Franta remained jailed at the Clark County Detention Center on
$1 million bail.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.