Slaying suspect appears to look for victim in court

During his first federal court appearance, a man charged with kidnapping a Salt Lake City nurse, later found dead, made some odd statements in court.

Michael J. Doyel searched the courtroom as if looking for someone. While reading the kidnapping charge with his attorney, Doyel was overheard saying, "that's not true. That's a lie," and moments later, "she's alive. She should be here any minute."

Later in the hearing, Doyel again said out loud, "where's she at?"

During an initial appearance hearing, U.S. District Magistrate Judge Paul Warner advised Doyel of his rights and noted Doyel had asked to have a public defense attorney appointed for him. Doyel indicated to the court that he had no money to hire an attorney and that he hadn't worked for "several years" and only received his $730 monthly Social Security check.

Doyel, 47, is charged with kidnapping in connection to the disappearance of 50-year-old Deborah Jones. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos Esqueda said the maximum for the charge is life imprisonment and if the kidnapping results in death, the penalty could be death, although he said the decision whether to seek the death penalty has not yet been made by the U.S. Department of Justice.

After being missing for several days, Jones' body was found bound with nylon cords and stuffed in a plastic bin in her own vehicle, parked outside a Branson, Mo. hotel. Police also located at the hotel Doyel and West Valley City resident Patricia Murray, who authorities say is mentally handicapped. Doyel is charged in state court with her kidnapping.

Court documents show that Doyel is accused of harassing Jones when the two broke up after a living together in a relationship for several months. Documents show Jones received harassing and threatening phone calls and that Doyel would randomly show up at her work.

During his extradition hearing in Branson, Doyel called out "I love you, Deborah Marie Jones." During his hearing in Salt Lake City Wednesday, Doyel had Jones' name carved into his forearm.

Warner set an arraignment for May 9. Esqueda said his office plans to seek a grand jury indictment next week against Doyel. At that time, Esqueda said prosecutors plan to present to the grand jury more details about how they believe Jones died and when she died.

Doyel's mother had indicated that at one point Doyel was taking medication for paranoid schizophrenia. Defense attorney Todd Utzinger said he was aware his client had a history of mental illness.

When asked about Doyel's strange comments in court, Esqueda called Doyel the "epitome of a great con man," and said evidence would be presented to support that. Esqueda called this case a "heinous and brutal crime."

Doyel is expected next to make an appearance in state court to face the second kidnapping charge. Esqueda said state and federal prosecutors are working on investigating a possible murder charge.

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