VIERA, Fla. – UPDATE:
Jessica Umberger took the stand and read a statement to the court before she is sentenced by Judge James Earp.
Recommended Videos
“He (Daniel Vukovicj) did nothing to deserve the things said about him or done to him, I wish I had tried to stop it,” she said in between sobs. “I didn’t take responsibility then but I am now. I see the pain I have caused him and his family. I regret what happened to you because it never should have happened I just want you to know how sorry I am and I hope that one day you can forgive me.”
Umberger, 19, and Rebecca Gotay, also 19, both received seven years in prison followed by eight years probation for their part in last year’s savage crowbar beating that left Vukovich near death.
Dylan Thomas was already sentenced to 10 years in prison for his part. He pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder. Umberger and Gotay pleaded guilty to aggravated battery.
Prosecutor Bill Respess asked psychologist Susan Spicer if she was objective during his cross examination during Friday morning's sentencing hearing for Jessica Umberger then Rebecca Gotay for their part in last year’s Satellite Beach crowbar attack.
Both women, 19, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery earlier this year. Dylan Thomas, who pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
“She posted ‘Daniel is dying tomorrow, literally,” Respess said. “She decided before Dylan even got home that Daniel (Vukovich) had to die. Isn’t she manipulating him? Dylan is asleep and they are talking about murdering (Daniel Vukovich) him with a crowbar.”
Psychologist Susan Spicer testified on behalf of Jessica Umberger Friday morning and detailed a pattern of abuse Umberger suffered over the years.
She said Umberger’s biological father beat her and her mother is an alcoholic. Spicer testified that boyfriend Dylan Thomas already sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the 2015 crowbar beating case that nearly killed Daniel Vukovich was abusive as well and forced her to engage in sexual acts that made her uncomfortable.
“She was humiliated,” Spicer said. “But she was absolutely a follower.”
INITIAL STORY:
Dylan Thomas, the main attacker in last year's crowbar attack in Satellite Beach, was sentenced last month to 10 years in prison.
On Friday, his partners in crime -- 19-year-olds Rebecca Gotay and Jessie Umberger -- will be sentenced by Circuit Judge James Earp at the Moore Justice Center in Viera, News 6 partner Florida Today reported.
Earlier this year, Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder for the 2015 crowbar attack on Daniel Vukovich that left the victim fighting for his life. Thomas, along with girlfriend Umberger and friend Gotay plotted to kill Vukovich after believing he was responsible for marijuana that went missing from the home that Thomas and Umberger shared.
The women pleaded guilty to aggravated battery and face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, though it is unlikely Earp would impose a sentence longer than what he gave Thomas.
Last month, the state called Umberger and Gotay as witnesses against Thomas. They described his growing anger over the missing marijuana and how he skulked around, pacing with a crowbar. The following morning, the trio carried out the attack, they testified.
Vukovich, who has since recovered, testified against Thomas as well. At one point, he paused to show the judge the scars on his head and his face.