From Deseret News archives:
Hacking pleads not guilty to murder of wife
The innocent plea infuriated Lori Hacking's family her brother had urged Hacking to "be a man" and accept punishment, and her mother said she felt outrage for Lori and her unborn child.
"I know that one day Mark will receive perfect judgment from the only judge who knows every detail of what he did that terrible night," the mother, Thelma Soares, told reporters outside a courtroom where Hacking appeared shackled and wearing a bulletproof vest. He was surrounded by a dozen bailiffs.
Judge Denise Lindberg set Hacking's trial for April 18. Deputy District Attorney Robert Stott said he was not seeking the death penalty because he can't prove she was five weeks pregnant, as she told friends. An autopsy of her decomposed remains couldn't determine how she died.
Authorities believe Lori Hacking, 27, was killed July 19 after learning her husband wasn't enrolled in medical school in North Carolina, though they were packing to move there. It was among a series of deceptions Mark Hacking had perpetuated over several years, police say.
"Any time they call a family member to testify against another family member, it's going to be painful," said Scott Hacking, a physician who said his brother was "under extensive psychiatric testing" while in jail.
Defense attorney Gil Athay declined to discuss his plans Friday, saying, "We don't talk about those things." Stott said no discussions have been held on a plea agreement.
Hacking's parents, Douglas and Janet Hacking, also attended the hearing Friday, but left the courtroom without comment.
Hacking's plea came after the victim's brother, Paul Soares, appealed to Hacking to "take responsibility for your actions" and plead guilty to her murder.
"Save your family the grief and cost of this attorney. Just plead guilty for once. Just tell the truth," he wrote in a 2 1/2-page letter to Hacking at jail. A copy was obtained by The Associated Press and first reported Friday in the Deseret Morning News.
"Lori was sleeping like a princess in bed and you took her life ... if that is even how it happened. Are you being honest in that? Have you ever told the truth?"
Her father, Eraldo Soares, said Hacking's innocent plea was prolonging the family's pain.
"I'm not here to judge Mark. I have to leave that to be decided in court. I'm not going to be angry. I have to accept what is going on," he said.
Scott Hacking said he understood his brother was writing a book in jail "to get out the entire truth," but that his family no longer was asking for details about Lori Hacking's death.
Comments
- Taiwan checking nuke report 12:52 a.m.
- Al-Qaida denies killing civilians 12:46 a.m.
- China finds $1.5 billion in corruption 12:46 a.m.
- Dale has fond memories of Bowl 12:39 a.m.
- Springville comes back against AF 12:37 a.m.
- Texas prep QB heads to Utah 12:34 a.m.
- Barkley says Boozer is big problem 12:33 a.m.
- Cleveland succeeding at Fresno 12:25 a.m.
- Could speed give the Utes trouble? 12:23 a.m.
- Editorial: Herbert's budget 12:23 a.m.
- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
195 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
169 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
143 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
138 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
130 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110 - LDS to emphasize helping needy
107 - Revive full food tax?
106 - Panel passes BCS playoff bill
105 - Yet again, we learn BCS is a big joke
95
David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...
There was a time when free shipping was rare. This holiday season, you...
Can you tell I just got out of a budget meeting with Gov Gary Herbert?
Nick is an amazing kid. I go to school with him. This game shows that Lehi we...
I think that Salt Lake City would be a great place to hold the 2012 RNC. Salt...
Hernandez is much better than Pitta. Pitta was lucky to be nominated with the...
I think that's just plain "TORRIBLE"!
Holy Cow! Just how good is this kid?! That's impressive. Not only does he tie...
Boozer is bad medicine for the Jazz. He refuses to take hits and defend,...
Who has beaten your #1 & #2 state ranked teams? Oh...and your #10 team,...
Good job Titans another win.
Sorry..."Classless Ute". Max Hall is hilarious.
Good concert tonight. Not great. Natalie Cole was as good as I expected...I...



You can be the first to comment on this story.