Convicted Wife Killer Martin MacNeill Tried to Use Jail Razor to Kill Himself

Dec. 6, 2013— -- A Utah doctor who was convicted of using his medical expertise to murder his wife has been hospitalized after he attempted suicide in his jail cell with a razor, according to the Utah County Sheriff's Office.

Guards intervened Thursday evening after they discovered Dr. Martin MacNeill had dismantled a disposable razor and used the blade to cut his leg and femoral artery, Sgt. Spencer Cannon of the Utah County Sheriff's Office told ABCNews.com.

"He was discovered early enough by guards so his injuries were not life-threatening," Cannon said.

MacNeill is expected to recover from his injuries, Cannon said, however doctors have advised that he will need to remain in the hospital tonight and perhaps through the weekend.

As part of the jail's hygiene protocol, inmates are typically given access to a disposable razor for about 15 minutes, Cannon said.

Alexis Somers, one of MacNeill's daughters who testified against her father at his murder trial, told ABC News she was aware of his suicide attempt.

"My family continues to struggle to heal and move forward with our lives after the murder of our beloved mother. Our lives have already been torn apart," she said. "We do not pretend to understand the senseless, distressful and hurtful actions of our father."

MacNeill faces another trial in February 2014 for allegedly sexually abusing one of his daughters after his wife died.

MacNeill was found guilty last month of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice for the April 11, 2007, death of his wife, Michele MacNeill.

Martin MacNeill's Mistress Shocked By Guilty Verdict

Prosecutors said MacNeill persuaded his wife to have plastic surgery so he could dope her up during her recovery and then drown her, clearing the way for his mistress, Gypsy Willis, to move in to the family's home.

MacNeill's defense lawyers said heart problems were a contributing factor in the mother of eight's death and that the Utah doctor was not guilty.

MacNeill is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 7.