Ramsey County jurors on Thursday rejected Fabrizio Montermini's argument that he was not guilty of third-degree murder because he was suffering from a mental illness. He was handcuffed and taken into custody after the verdict was read.

The same jury found him guilty last Friday of third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide for causing the death of his 18-year-old friend Brian Fitzpatrick. Montermini had been driving drunk and crashed his car in January 2006.

Montermini, 24, was also convicted of six counts of criminal vehicular operation for the injuries to his passengers and to four people in another car. He was acquitted of five counts of kidnapping.

Prosecutor Bob Plesha told the jury during closing arguments in the mental-illness portion of the trial that Montermini never complained to his doctor of problems, other than an elbow injury.

Experts who testified for the defense said that Montermini was suffering from dissociative amnesia and acute stress disorder after the crash. Defense attorney Joe Friedberg argued that mental illness explained Montermini's "abhorrent acts" after the crash.

Montermini left the scene of the accident and drove to a church parking lot, where he dumped his three passengers.

Jurors will hear arguments Friday over whether there were aggravating factors in the commission of the crimes. If any are found, District Judge Edward Wilson could consider them when he sentences Montermini.

LORA PABST