Arrest Made In Madina Lake Assault Case; Matthew Leone Regains Consciousness

By Jon Graef in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 2, 2010 2:00PM

After committing a commendable act of bravery—coming to the aid of a woman being assaulted by her husband, then being beaten unconscious by him—Madina Lake bassist Matthew Leone has regained consciousness, according to MTV News. Leone was on his way to a bar in West Town when he had witnessed the reported assault. Leone intervened, subduing the man long enough to call authorities, at which point Leone was attacked by the husband and left unconscious on the street. Both the husband and wife then left the scene.

Leone’s injuries were reportedly so extensive that a third of his skull was removed in order to prevent further pressure on his swelling brain. Leone’s twin brother and Madina Lake frontman, Nathan, blogged about the incident on the band’s Tumblr page, saying that the incident “has shocked, stunned, disgusted our best friends, family and band…” However, some good news has emerged.

Nathan told MTV News that his brother’s “prognosis is getting better by the hour” and that an arrest in the case has been made. Chicago Breaking News reports that a 33-year-old man was charged with simple domestic battery in connection with the alleged domestic assault.

Chicago police are waiting to charge the man with the attack on Leone, pending a doctor’s briefing and witness corroboration with Leone’s version of events. The band does not have health insurance, but fan site The River Creepers has set up a PayPal account where donations can be made.