SALT LAKE CITY - A judge has sentenced John Wall, the former Utah physician convicted of murdering his ex-wife Uta von Schwedler, to 15 years to life in prison Wednesday.
The judge said he understood Wall maintained his innocence but the jury found Wall committed chilling and despicable acts of violence.
Prosecutors claimed Wall killed Uta von Schwedler and then staged a suicide, forcing her to take Xanax.
The defense said there is no evidence to show she was forced to take the medication and there is no proof of homicide.
Pelle, the couple's son, said "My mother was a researcher. My mother was an activist. My mother was a friend to strangers."
He thanked the court for listening and said he thinks his father should spend the rest of his life in prison.
Wall then read a statement to the court saying Uta's death was a loss and maintained that he did not kill her.
He said he plans to appeal this sentence.
