Prosecutors say Martin MacNeill was having an affair when he drugged and drowned his wife, Michele, in 2007. He has pleaded not guilty to her murder. Get caught up on what you missed from the third week of his trial, CNN's Ted Rowlands reports.
Prosecutors in the Martin MacNeill murder trial spent the third week of testimony trying to show the former Utah doctor had a motive to kill his wife who was drowned in the bathtub, according to their medical experts.
MacNeill has pleaded not guilty to murder and obstruction of justice charges in his wife's death. His defense attorneys say investigators were so intent on pointing the finger at MacNeill that they overlooked the simple fact that his wife, Michele, died from natural causes.
Prosecutors say Martin MacNeill was motivated to kill his wife to continue his affair with a woman named Gypsy Willis. Willis took the stand last Friday and again briefly on Tuesday. She couldn’t recall many details from the day MacNeill proposed, saying, “The relationship has been over a very long time.” Her mother, however, seemed to remember the day well.
Four inmates who served time with Martin MacNeill are expected to take the stand during the fourth week of trial. These former cellmates, who will be identified by numbers and not names, say MacNeill told them he killed his wife and that he didn't think law enforcement would be able to prove it.
Prosecutors have also said they intend to call Jeff Robinson, the lead investigator in the case. It is likely the prosecution will rest its case after Robinson testifies.
Court is dark on Mondays so testimony is scheduled to resume Tuesday morning. The jury who will decide Martin MacNeill's fate is comprised of six men and five women, which includes three alternates. MacNeill faces life in prison if convicted.
The defend attorney are trying to protect a monster here. How wrong! The doc had a clear motive and had the opportunity and had the mean to kill his wife. And he carried out his plan well. Evil often times stupid enough to leave their trails. The daughters are great and have integrity to speak up for their mother.