Wealthy Couple Accused of Hosting Minors' Gambling Party, Leading to Stabbing

A lawsuit filed against hedge fund manager Mario Govic and his wife, Ann Marie Govic, alleges they hosted a gambling party for minors at their $30 million Brentwood home in August 2024, an event that resulted in a 17-year-old guest being stabbed. The suit names the parents and their son, Jack, as defendants.

The complaint states that the party involved card games where money was wagered. According to the lawsuit, one 17-year-old attendee, Noah Setareh, allegedly handed over a valuable watch to Jack Govic as collateral for a gambling debt. When Setareh later asked for his watch back, asserting its value exceeded the debt, Jack Govic reportedly refused.

The dispute escalated outside the mansion, where Setareh again requested his watch. The lawsuit claims Jack Govic then produced a butterfly knife and stabbed Setareh in the hand, causing a wound that penetrated his palm. The alleged victim reported experiencing severe pain, shock, and terror, and subsequently required medical treatment for the injury and scarring.

The lawsuit further alleges that Mario Govic intervened only after the stabbing occurred and asked his son to return the watch. The parents are accused of knowing that minors were gambling at their home and being aware of the circumstances, including the use of money and their son holding a guest's watch.

Mario Govic is the founder of Govic Capital. An online biography indicates he achieved millionaire status at the age of 27 and is involved in multiple business ventures. The family's 12,000-square-foot mansion, the site of the alleged incident, features eight bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.

Setareh is seeking damages for physical pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Representatives for the California Post reached out to the Govics for comment.