I think even if he does take responsibility, in the interest of justice he will never be free again. – Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander

PROVO — Saying that he committed his crimes with "unmitigated selfishness that really shocks the conscience," a judge sentenced Martin MacNeill Friday to the maximum possible penalty for murdering his wife.

MacNeill was sentenced to 15 years to life for killing Michele MacNeill in 2007, and one to 15 years in prison for obstruction of justice. Fourth District Judge Derek Pullan ordered both sentences to run consecutively, meaning he cannot begin serving time on one sentence until the first one is completed.

In addition, Pullan ordered that MacNeill — who was sentenced in an unrelated case on Monday to one to 15 years for sexually abusing his daughter, Alexis Somers, in 2007, three months after her mother's death — also serve that sentence consecutively with Friday's sentences.

Technically, MacNeill could serve 30 years in prison before he even begins serving his minimum 15-year sentence for murder. In all likelihood, MacNeill will die in prison.

"Given his age, he's 58 years old now, given the circumstances of this crime, the fact that he's not taking any responsibility, if he continues to do that, there's absolutely no hope he's going to be released. I think he dies in prison. I think even if he does take responsibility, in the interest of justice he will never be free again," deputy Utah County attorney Chad Grunander said outside the courtroom.

For MacNeill's family, Friday's sentence was a long time coming.

Michele MacNeill died in the bathtub of their Pleasant Grove home in 2007. Her death came following cosmetic surgery that Pullan said was pushed on her by her husband, a doctor, who forced her to continuously take prescription medication after the surgery. Pullan said it was all part of MacNeill's calculated scheme to kill his wife and begin his "juvenile and bizarre plan" to start a new life with his mistress, Gypsy Willis.

Martin MacNeill even arranged it so the first person to find his wife's body would be his 6-year-old daughter.

"Mr. MacNeill has led a double life, which in the end proved to be unsustainable," Pullan said. "The devastation experienced by the MacNeill family is immeasurable.

"The only restitution that can be made … is just punishment," the judge said before handing down the consecutive sentences.

When addressing the court, Grunander put MacNeill just a step below those convicted of capital murder who are sentenced to death.

"This was a heinous, heinous, terrible crime — premeditated murder. But in Utah, it doesn't qualify as a capital offense," the prosecutor said. "It's as bad as you can get. Doctor, husband, father, a lawyer — what he did here, using his unique special knowledge, it's as bad as it gets."

MacNeill's family expressed great relief that their seven-year nightmare had finally come to an end. The family first had to convince investigators that their mother was murdered in 2007 after Pleasant Grove police determined it was an accidental death. Martin MacNeill wasn't charged until 2012. He was convicted 10 months ago in November 2013. But because of numerous unusual delays, including a suicide attempt, his sentencing wasn't held until Friday.

As Somers noted in court, Friday marked 2,718 days since she last heard her mother's voice.

"This is what we were hoping for. (We're) just happy this chapter is finally closed," said Linda Cluff, Michele MacNeill's sister. "Utter relief. It's indescribable. There's no words to describe. It's just such relief. It's draining. Just happy to move forward. I felt Michele's presence there. It's just a wonderful feeling."

"Today we're finally able to be free from this," added Rachel MacNeill, one of Martin MacNeill's daughters.

MacNeill, wearing an orange Utah State Prison jumpsuit and being watched over in court by two Department of Corrections officers, declined to address the judge as most defendants do when sentenced. But he was seen numerous times chatting and smiling with his attorney, Randy Spencer. In fact, when Cluff got up to address the court, MacNeill continued talking to his attorney as if Cluff wasn't there.

"I think it demonstrates a lack of respect for the process. I think the defendant, he simply doesn't get it. I think that was spoken about and illustrated very well in this case and through family. Yeah, it's offensive, quite frankly," Grunander said.

At one point, while Cluff was addressing the court and asking that the maximum sentence be imposed, she turned and looked directly at her brother-in-law.

"I can finally look into his eyes and say … Martin, you haven't gotten away with this," she said.

MacNeill stopped talking to his attorney to look up at her. After the hearing, Cluff talked about that moment and what she saw.

"A blank look, as always. He was up there laughing. Showed no remorse. I was not surprised. It's just the Martin I've always known, my family's always known. There was no emotion whatsoever — just a cold, calculated look," she said.

Inside the courtroom, Cluff told the judge, "Martin is a man who believes he is above the law. He believes he is above everyone and everything. … He is calculating and controlling," she said.

"Martin is evil."

Somers and Rachel MacNeill also addressed the court, telling Pullan how their lives were "shattered" when their mother died, followed by years of living in constant fear of their father.

"I plead with you to give my father the maximum life sentence. Let him see he is not above the law. … He has destroyed so many lives," Somers said. "My father is a monster. He has never shown remorse for any of his crimes."

MacNeill's attorney, Spencer, left the courthouse without comment.

Grunander said he expects MacNeill will likely file an appeal. He has filed appeals at nearly every step of the process. If he does, the appeal would be handled by the Utah Attorney General's Office.

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