Man convicted of Islamic Center vandalism dies by suicide
It's the Coloradoan's policy not to report on individual suicides unless the act is in a public place or involves a high-profile person, such as in this case. We felt it was important to report on this story to complete our coverage of the case and provide resources for those struggling with mental illness.
Cassa Niedringhaus
The man convicted of vandalizing the Islamic Center of Fort Collins was found dead Saturday at an east Fort Collins motel.
Joseph Giaquinto, 36, died by suicide Friday, according to the Larimer County coroner. The coroner's office performed an autopsy Sunday and publicly identified Giaquinto on Monday morning.
Larimer County Sheriff's Office deputies responded Saturday afternoon to the Motel 6 at 3900 E. Mulberry St. for a death investigation, according to spokesman David Moore.
The department did not provide further information about the investigation.
Giaquinto pleaded guilty and was convicted Dec. 18 of felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor bias-motivated crime, the legal term for a hate crime, for the vandalism of the Islamic Center in March. He was sentenced on Thursday to three years of wellness court and six months of work release.
Wellness court is an option for defendants whose mental health issues affect their criminal behavior. Giaquinto would have been required to appear before Eighth Judicial District Judge Julie Kunce Field once a week, check in with wellness court officials twice a day, take all prescribed medications, complete any other required treatment and abstain from the use of alcohol or drugs.
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Giaquinto's public defender, Heather Siegel, told Field during his sentencing hearing that the six-month work release sentence would jeopardize his veteran's benefits, which he was using to support himself after diagnoses of chronic post-traumatic stress and substance abuse disorders.
Michael Giaquinto, Joseph Giaquinto's father, previously told the Coloradoan that his son was a combat medic in the Army for eight years and served tours in Baghdad, Iraq, and Korea.
During his case proceedings, Joseph Giaquinto was able to have his bond reduced so he could take part in a five- to seven-week PTSD residential rehabilitation program in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Joseph Giaquinto maintained, including at his sentencing hearing, that his vandalism was not a hate crime but rather a crime of opportunity because he lived near the Islamic Center on March 26, when he overturned outdoor furniture, smashed windows with two large rocks, and threw a Bible through the broken glass and into the mosque's prayer hall.
Motel 6 representatives did not immediately return a request for comment.
Islamic Center president Tawfik Aboellail issued a statement Monday in which he expressed condolences to the Giaquinto family.
"As our prophet taught us by example, we grieve the loss of Mr. Giaquinto's life as we sincerely hoped he would have gotten the help he needed and deserved," Aboellail wrote. "Our thoughts are with his family and we hope that they might find peace and comfort."
Reporter Cassa Niedringhaus covers breaking news for the Coloradoan. Follow her on Twitter: @CassaMN.
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Local resources
If you are a veteran and believe you might have TBI or PTSD, contact the Larimer County Veterans Service Office for assistance. Call 970-498-7390 or visit larimer.org/veterans. You can also call the Fort Collins Vet Center at 970-221-5176.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance abuse or emotional issues, Colorado Crisis Services offers immediate, confidential support through: a toll-free hotline, 1-844-493-TALK (8255); texting TALK to 38255; and 24/7 walk-in services. Local walk-in crisis centers are available at 1217 Riverside Ave., in Fort Collins and 982 12th St., in Greeley. Visit coloradocrisisservices.org to learn more.