November 02, 2007

Vincent 'Don Vito' Margera On Suicide Watch After Conviction

By Chris Harris (MTV.com)

Vincent "Don Vito" Margera has been placed under suicide watch following his conviction Wednesday on two felony counts of sexual assault on a child, his lawyer Pamela Mackey confirmed, according to The Denver Post.

The report claims Margera is currently at a Level 1 status, meaning there are limitations on his movement and that he is under suicide watch. According to the Post, Mackey isn't sure if Margera tried to kill himself or threatened suicide at the jail where he was being held. His sentencing is scheduled for December 20, and Margera faces anywhere from two years to life behind bars. He will remain in police custody until his sentencing.

In addition, Denver NBC News affiliate 9News is reporting that an anonymous source close to the investigation claimed, "If Margera does go to prison, it's for life. The jury said what he did was wrong. Should he be punished? Yes. But life in prison for what he did? No."

Margera had been accused of groping three young girls - one 14-year-old and two 12-year-olds - during an autograph signing at a Colorado mall in August 2006. Three teen witnesses testified last week, saying they had seen Margera touching the girls inappropriately. The defense countered that Margera had been in character at the event and shouldn't be held accountable for his actions.

As soon as the split verdict was read, Margera yelled expletives and cried out, "Just kill me now," and fell to the floor. Deliberations lasted less than a day. Margera also needed to be restrained and calmed by several sheriff's deputies inside the courtroom, following the delivery of the jury's decision. Witnesses to the incident further claimed that Margera belted out, "I can't f---ing spend the rest of my life in jail," "You cops lied" and "You can rot in f---ing hell!"