Convicted killer's mom says 'It's your fault' to Bargo's dad during testimony

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A sentencing hearing continued Monday in Marion County for Michael Bargo.

Bargo was found guilty last week of masterminding the killing of 15-year-old Seath Jackson in 2011.

Bargos' mother, Tracey O'Brien, took the stand Monday, and said she has not seen her son in four years. O'Brien told the court she blamed his father, saying, "It's your fault." Bargo's father, Michael Bargo Sr., nodded his head at the outburst, WFTV reporter Jeff Deal said.

O'Brien also said Bargo's dad had drinking problem and was angry. She said Bargo's father would punch holes in walls, and had punched out a car window while Bargo was in the car.

During the trial, Bargo's attorneys argued their client has an abnormal brain that keeps him from controlling his rage.

They also blamed abuse from his mother for Bargo's aggressive behavior.

Bargo took the stand on Friday, telling the jury, "I was growing up, I didn't have a chance to even go to friends' houses. Every time I got money, I literally went out and bought liquor."

Prosecutors said Bargo masterminded the killing, and that he and four others lured Jackson to a home, beat him, shot him to death, dismembered his body and burned the remains, and then stuffed them in paint buckets and dumped them in a rock quarry.

Bargo now faces the death penalty, though the defense's aim is for the jury to recommend life in prison.

Prosecutors told jurors that besides proving the killing was "cold, calculated and premeditated," they'll also prove it was "heinous, atrocious and cruel."

Those factors could make Bargo eligible for the death penalty.

The four people already serving life sentences in the case are Amber Wright, Charlie Kay Ely, Justin Soto and Kyle Hooper.

Court ended for the day around 3 p.m. and will continue Tuesday morning.

WFTV