Lindon man accused of killing ex-wife's husband appears in court


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PROVO — A Lindon man accused of trying to kill his ex-wife and instead shooting her husband to death returned to court Tuesday afternoon.

Fred Lee, 59, is charged with aggravated murder in the late-night shooting on July 3, which his granddaughter witnessed.

Lee was polite and quiet in court as he faced the judge with his public defender in what could be a death-penalty case.

But last week the judge had to caution him after he asked for a plea deal in a tragedy that has torn a family apart.

Jessica Lee came to court as her father stood before the judge accused of aggravated murder.

Detectives say Fred Lee killed his ex-wife's husband, Mike Sidwell, 42, at his home in Lindon.

"It's hard, it's been hard on all of us, we're all affected,” Jessica Lee said.

Police say Lee was looking for his ex-wife, Joy Sidwell, who was not home, and Lee's 5-year-old granddaughter witnessed the slaying.

While Jessica Lee says it's difficult to see her father in court, she worries about her mother and the emotional trauma she is suffering.

"It's really sad, it's just a tragic event and you can't prepare yourself for something like this, but I want to say what a strong lady my mom is and I am so proud of her and I’m lucky to have her," she said.

Lee's attorney asked for a three-month delay to review the prosecution's case, and the judge agreed.

He remains in jail and will be back in court on Oct. 21.

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Sam Penrod

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