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Nicole Gonzales and Randall Jeppesen reportingThe man suspected of killing a Sugar House woman makes his first appearance in court, though not to face murder charges. Michael Doyel was arrested last week in Missouri, a few days after Deborah Jones disappeared. Her body was found in a container in a car parked at the motel where Doyel was staying.
Doyel appeared this morning after failing to show up at a state hearing regarding the kidnapping of Patricia Murray, who was found with Doyel in Missouri. He appeared very confused and was constantly looking around.
At one point, the judge asked Doyel to read the federal complaint against him. While he was reading he muttered, "That's not true. It's a lie. She's alive, and she should be here any minute." Then he asked, "Where's she at?"
Doyel's attorney said he didn't know what Doyel was talking about. Certainly, the incident brings into question his mental health. His attorney said it might be an issue in the case. "I've been given some information that was alluded to by the government, and certainly, if I get information that warrants a mental health evaluation, then I'm going to get one," attorney Todd Utzinger said.
Doyle arrived around 9:40 this morning with U.S. Marshals. The first thing discussed in court was Doyle's finances. He qualified for a court-appointed attorney today, and we also learned Doyle receives $730 a month for disability -- physical or mental, we don't know at this point.
The two kidnapping cases, in federal court with Debra Jones and the state case with Patricia Murray, will remain separate. However, the prosecutor says the ultimate goal for both agencies is a homicide charge.
"I've been doing this for 20 years. Nothing surprises me. This is a very heinous crime, it's brutal. You know, I think the facts will come out that will show that," said prosecutor Carlos Esqueda.
Doyel will remain in federal custody. The prosecution will present the charges on May 7 to the grand jury. After that, he'll be required to appear at a preliminary hearing on May 9 and give his plea.
E-mail: ngonzales@ksl.com
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
