PROVO, Utah – The trial for Dr. Martin MacNeill, who is accused of killing his wife, began in Provo this week.
Six men and five women were chosen to sit on the jury for the case, and opening statements were heard Thursday.
Prosecutors suggested to the jury that MacNeill plotted to kill his wife so he could continue an affair with another woman. Prosecutors said MacNeill arranged for his wife, Michele, to receive more than the usual amount of prescription drugs after she underwent a facelift.
Prosecutors also played audio of the 911 call MacNeill made regarding his wife's death. Watch the video above for that tape.
Prosecutors also stressed the doctor’s unusual behavior, both during and after his wife’s death. They said he texted his mistress during Michele’s funeral, which was held days after she died. They also said MacNeill moved his mistress into his home a few months later.
Defense attorneys argued that MacNeill may have made poor choices, but they said that does not make him a killer. They also pointed out that medical examiners will not call Michele MacNeill’s death a homicide, and they urged the jury to listen to the evidence and the facts and make their own decision.
FOX 13 News’ Ben Winslow was live at the trial, see the video above for more information. Testimony will resume Friday morning.
