Reader comments
Lies shatter Utah family

This is sad, but why is this in the newspaper? What are we as readers in the public supposed to do with this information?

Just something to think about. Does the media think that the solutions to the ills of our society and individuals come from exposure? Is exposure and "awareness" the beginning of healing and correction?

Just some thoughts. Of course it's important for the victims and the family members to discuss it out...but do hundreds of thousands of people need to know this?

And if we need this, is it for preventive purposes, as scare tactics, or simply punitive purposes? Are we supposed to now come to this family and try to comfort them collectively by helping them heal?

I don't even claim to have the answers to these questions in their fullest, but I definitely do feel some of these questions should be addressed.

Pain is hard, and the more prolonged it is, the more difficult. People deal with pain differently, that is definite.

Many feature news stories have inspired me. But I honestly can't think of a single one that inspired me to be better from a negative angle.

Maybe someone knows something. Thank you for this story and I am so proud of you young women keeping the family together. You are wise beyond your years. Keep going forward like you are.

Wow, talk about systems manipulation... state, federal, family, and beyond.

I am not sure about the mental health diagnosis, usually men with that diagnosis are not as "successful" as this man has appeared to be.

besides, it paints a portrait that is not fair... he just sounds like paranoid manipulator. I have one in my family too...

Very interesting story, I can't believe Mr. McNeil got away with everything for so long! I enjoyed reading this.

I don't think this story is meant to be inspiring. I think it is real life, and a tale of how one very deceptive human being duped his whole family for years. I think of it as more of a wake-up call to the rest of us here in Utah, that people aren't always what they seem, and to use your better judgment. We have been reading many scam stories lately because Mormons are very accepting and trusting.

You, sir or madam, are naive.

This isn't the only person out there like this, right now, in our state.

Stories like this inform not only potential victims, but authorities so they don't "laugh" next time someone suggests something like this is happening.

Stories like this inform banks, governments, and other organizations upon whom these crooks are trying to perpetuate fraud.

Thanks for the story -- there are more out there.

I think the public should be aware in part because this guy has been around for a long time and many others have fallen victim to his schemes. Any time he practiced law or medicine, any of his clients or patients were victims. They should definitely be aware of the situation, and it may lead to additional information about him.

I don't know that the story was intended to be inspirational, but I do feel sorry for MacNeill's family. My prayers and best wishes go out to them.

Wow. How sad. He adopted three children before being caught? Was in numerous identity and social security scams, and he got away with it while being a doctor? I have seen firsthand this kind of story with a drugged out mother as the star, but I would never expect this smart doctor who had a great family to do anthing like this. The governmental systems are not too well run, also. If they were, they would have thought something was up when the doctor had so many discrepancies in his records and dealings.

I hope this does not ruin their image of all men in hopes that they may be able to build families with foundations of trust and virtue rather than the despicable and selfish actions of the man they know now.

I hope all will be better for their futures and I proudly say as a man who is proud to say that Family is first and worldly treasure only wilts away. Any man who cannot recognize this does not know life or any meaning behind it.

The world pretends to philosophize lending to dark paths of greediness and family destroying "values" - the real value is in family and devoting your time to protecting it and strengthening it's bonds.

If all might lend their children the constant devotion that they are easily able to give to television and partying and self-interests; what would the world suffer if this took place? I might also ask if we only spent 1/10th the time we do on T.V./computers with family instead and without distraction then this alone would do so much good for everyone.

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness..."

We wanted to get this story out in order to help with my mothers homicide investigation. We now know my father victimized so many people. He needs to be brought to justice. He has hurt so many as well as murdered my mother. My mother, Michele Marie MacNeill, was the best person I have ever known. She was my best friend and devoted her entire life to her family. Please if anyone knows anything about my father contact Doug Witney at the Utah County Attorney's Office, or contact us through Rachel MacNeill's blog.

I AM SO "PROUD OF ALL THE GIRLS" FOR STAYING TOGETHER, AS THEY WERE, AND SHOULD BE...

THEY ARE A BRAVE, LOVING, AND LOYAL FAMILY, AND NOTHING WILL TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THEM.

BE AT PEACE MICHELE,... AND GIRLS, GO, SEEK, AND KEEP BELIEVING, AND YOU TOO... SHALL BE AT PEACE,
IN WHAT YOU DO,... FOR YOUR MOTHER, MICHELE.

~*~ SUCH A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL, WATCHING OVER~
ALL OF YOU ~*~

I just read an article entitled, "The Cost of White Lies" by "Doctor" Martin MacNeill. I couldn't believe what I just read! He is truly a sociopath with absolutely no conscious. I have no doubt he was capable of committing murder without a second thought as long as it served his purposes. It disgusts me that he trampled on his family who should have been the source of his greatest joy. He will receive his due justice no doubt! The punishment available on earth isn't capable of enacting the justice he deserves!

I also saw a video about Michele Marie MacNeill. She is the antithesis of her despicable ex-husband. Her love and devotion to her family was very clear to me. What a wonderful woman! This just breaks my heart...

Often the greatest tragedies are what make us the strongest. I pray the children can look to each other for strength, as well as their Father in Heaven. Their earthly father doesn't deserve them in the least...

I applaud the MacNeill sisters for working hard to keep their younger siblings safe. I hope this mess can all get worked out. It's a shame there are so many selfish people out there that even want to ruin their own families in the process. I also hope that their brother will one day sit down and actually listen to his sisters. Cause a person in their right mind would never "give away" their own kids to another family to try to get over depression of losing a loved one especially when their are already older children in the family to care for the younger ones. Keep fighting for your family and thanks for sharing your story.

I've never met any of this family and it all sounds nightmarish and macabre. The main thing that revealing and publishing this story does for them all is help them all heal with no secrets or inhibitions for the family to hide in a dark family closet. They are accepting the truth and moving on while at the same time publicly ridiculing this man for his life of deception to them and everyone in their lives.

It takes a lot of courage for them to do what they have been doing and getting their lives in order. They know it will be long and hard to overcome and now all they can hope for is public support. They are not asking for pity or sympathy they are beginning their future with an open book.

They may never find all the answers but acceptance of their lost past makes for a new beginning.

This story also reveals the intensity and deception of what a psychopath will do to deceive. It's not always for greed or money, but that they can do it and its a victory in their minds.

People! Don't be so Naive! This man could be YOUR doctor. You have GOT to raise your awareness levels. Not to paranoia. This is education. I personaly know Rachel & if this terror can happen to this family, it can happen to anyone! YES YOU!What? You can't handle the truth? You think avoiding will make it not real!? This family is suffering, & hurting BADLY. Have some compassion! Do NOT judge here. You haven't walked in their shoes, and then thank God that you haven't. Pray that you NEVER will! Pray for these two young girls taking very good care of their young sisters as their hearts are broken. Or go ahead & live in your fantasy world & do nothing. Don't wonder why!?? when a wall comes crashing down on you! Pray for this entire family! Please! Look at this through their eyes. Look with your HEARTS! If you're truly brave enough to do that, don't be surprised when you start sobbing. They are already broken hearted & some of you, you poor things are complaining because you heard about it? THIS is their lives! I feel sorry for those of you who dont GET IT!

In answer to the question of why post this, I would say that Michele's death deserves a full and fair investigation. Anyone would want a thorough investigation into a loved-one's death.

Yes it may prolong some pain and suffering to a certain extent, but this is certainly a case that needs more investigating.

My best wishes for the children in this family!

Unfortunately this seems to be more common in the LDS world. We tend to trust more than we should and make the mistake of thinking that church attendance implies a great person. Be careful out there.

Alexis, thank you for sharing your story. It is indeed sad, and I hope that justice is done. You are, to me, a brave young woman.

Very compelling story, and sad. I'm sorry the daughters are going through this. Interesting the son's take on it. I know Doug Whitney on a semi-personal basis and trust him completely. When Doug Whitney says something is afoot, something is afoot. Period!

Alexis, I personally wish you and this situation the best. There are several classifications of drugs that will stop the heart and are virtually untraceable. I'm sure your sister is learning this. I learned of it while serving in the military, though I am not a medical type. Just military intelligence training.

Again, best of luck. I will look for Rachel's blog.

I too had a husband who lead a double life.....I suspected much, but didn't realize the extent thereof, until I found letters and other items etc after his death.

THESE THINGS CAN AND DO HAPPEN!

So many in the community thought my husband was this "wonderful" man....he betrayed not only me, but his children, and his posterity throughout all the ages....to say nothing of his faith (or, lack thereof) and God.

My heart and prayers are w/ these young women. I say to them, go forward and live your life. Celebrate your mother's legacy to you.