Murder Med for Depression 02/07/2005 Utah Man Kills Wife & Daughter Summary:

Sixth paragraph reads: "Sullivan told 3rd District Judge J. Dennis Frederick he was taking medication for depression and manic behavior."

http://kutv.com/local/local_story_182182038.html


Man Pleads Guilty To Murder of Wife, Child

A West Valley City man who murdered his wife and daughter in a test of will with God took a plea bargain today that spared him from the death penalty.

40-year-old Brian Christopher Sullivan pleaded guilty to two charges of aggravated murder - telling a judge he was taking responsibility for their gruesome murder.

Sullivan stabbed 33-year-old LaRae Marara Sullivan and their 4-year-old adopted daughter, Kehaulani, multiple times in the chest in 2003.

The woman's distressed father said he was saving comments for Sullivan's sentencing, which was set for Aug. 26.

A long-time friend - Marlene Smith - says Sullivan was suffering from a mental illness.

Sullivan told 3rd District Judge J. Dennis Frederick he was taking medication for depression and manic behavior.

Sullivan told a police officer, ``the Lord had not stopped'' him from stabbing his wife eight times and the young girl 23 times, according to testimony at a preliminary hearing in January. Both victims had defensive wounds on their hands.