Jury: Mike, Tina Yuchnitz must split $7M estate

Mike Yuchnitz awaiting trial on murder-for-hire charge

SAN ANTONIO – The jury in the Mike and Tina Yuchnitz divorce trial determined the couple must split their nearly $7 million estate equally.

The jury returned the verdict Thursday morning after deliberating for more than 12 hours on Wednesday.

The jury also determined that she will receive $500,000 in damages for emotional distress. Mike Yuchnitz will receive $100,000 in damages, also for emotional distress.

Mike Yuchnitz's attorney, Miguel Ortiz, said he believed the ruling was fair.

"They did not come here to convict him on a criminal charge that has not been proven yet. I think they did the right thing," Ortiz said.

In addition, Tina Yuchnitz will get the My Econo $39.95 Optical eyewear shops chain; Mike Yuchnitz will retain ownership of the Platinum Tattoo shop.

Tina Yuchnitz said the ruling was a relief.

"My heart is broken. I'm so glad it's done," Yuchnitz said.

Tina Yuchnitz filed for divorce on 2010 after her husband was arrested, and charged with trying to have her killed.

Mike Yuchnitz, 59, is still awaiting trial on that charge.

During the divorce case, Mike Yuchnitz lashed out on the stand and said that his wife wanted the business and everything, which would leave their grandchild out in the cold.

However, Tina Yuchnitz's lawyer, Stephani Walsh, said her client has stated throughout the trial that she wants her son to have the Platinum Tattoo business.

Yuchnitz is well-known for his television commercials, promoting the My Econo $39.95 Optical eyewear shops.