Former doctor pleads not guilty to murder of ex-wife


8 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — A former Utah doctor charged with criminal homicide was in court Monday morning and, as expected, pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him, including murder.

John Brickman Wall, 49, made a brief appearance in 3rd District Court to enter his plea. His next court date, a status conference, was scheduled for Feb. 3.

Dozens gathered in the courtroom to hear the plea Monday.

Just after 9 a.m. Monday morning, John Brickman Wall walked into the courtroom in shackles and said only a few words to Judge Lindberg.

"Your Honor, I am not guilty," Wall said Monday in court.

Defense attorney Fred Metos said there are a lot of questions surrounding the 2011 murder of Wall's ex-wife Uta Von Schwedler.

"I would submit that there is reasonable doubts," Metos said.

But Metos said he's optimistic there is more than a reasonable doubt, to keep his client out of prison.

"In looking at DNA evidence, it's consistent with other members of his family that were living in the house," Metos said.

Wall is charged with murder and aggravated burglary, both first-degree felonies, in the death of his ex-wife, Uta Von Schwedler, 49, who was found dead in an overflowing bathtub in her home at 1433 E. Harrison Ave. (1625 South) on Sept. 27, 2011. The cause of death was determined to be drowning. But the manner of death could not be determined.


"There is some serious questions beginning with the medical examiners testimony about what the cause of death was. -defense attorney Fred Metos

However, the defense claims even in the interrogation, the officers were to aggressive in suggesting Wall's connection to the murder.

"There is some serious questions beginning with the medical examiners testimony about what the cause of death was," Metos said.

Metos said Monday he understands the prosecution will bring more evidence to the table, but he's not sure it will be strong enough to convict his client. In the mean time, Metos said his work is cut out for him.

"We have to do a lot of legal research, investigations need to be done, experts lined up so there is a lot to be done," he said.

Metros said he's hoping to set a trial date on Feb. 3, but that might be a bit too optimistic.

Photos

Related stories

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Utah
Haley Smith and Pat Reavy

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast