PROVO -- Convicted murderer Dr. Martin MacNeill made a brief appearance in court Thursday, only to have his hearings delayed.
But MacNeill's defense attorney signaled his client was open the possibility of a plea deal in the forcible sex abuse case against him.
"That all depends on what the plea deal would be," Randy Spencer told FOX 13. "We're discussing like we always do in cases like this, whether or not anything comes to fruition -- that remains to be seen."
MacNeill appeared animated at what was scheduled to be a pre-trial conference. Despite the happy outward appearance, Randy Spencer told reporters that his client is "not doing well." MacNeill remains in the Utah County Jail on suicide watch after having attempted to take his life last year.
MacNeill was scheduled to appear before another judge where his attorney was to argue for a new trial on the murder case. MacNeill's cases were delayed to give both prosecution and defense more time to prepare.
MacNeill's daughter, Alexis Somers, left the courthouse with Utah County prosecutors, declining to comment.
MacNeill was convicted last year of killing his wife, Michele, back in 2007. Prosecutors accused him of drugging and drowning his wife in order to continue an affair with another woman.
