By David Butler
Mark Hacking pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his wife Lori Hacking in a court hearing Friday morning.
The judge set a trial date for April 18. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.
According to the Deseret Morning News, Lori''s brother, Paul Soares, had sent a letter to Hacking in prison, urging him to plead guilty.
'Save your family the grief and cost of this attorney. Just plead guilty for once. Just tell the truth. Take responsibility for your actions,' Soares wrote. 'Your father said you were determined to do what is right even if it costs you your life. ... Just tell the judge the truth. Admit it. Don''t ask for some lenient plea bargain. Be a man.'
According to The Associated Press, Hacking''s defense attorney indicated he would challenge Hacking''s confession to his brothers that he shot his wife and disposed of her body in a dumpster.
Hacking''s parents, Douglas and Janet Hacking, attended the hearing but left without commenting.
Hacking''s brother Scott told The Associated Press he was not looking forward to testifying against his brother in what would be an emotional trial.
'Any time they call a family member to testify against another family member, it''s going to be painful,' he said.