On a tragic evening in Lindon, Utah, 42-year-old Caucasian male, Michael "Sid" Sidwell, was killed in his home on July 3, 2014. A journeyman plumber known for his big heart, he was married to Joy Ellis Sidwell. The couple had been married since April 30, 2011.
The assailant was Fred Lee, the ex-husband of Joy Sidwell. Armed with a shotgun and a handgun, Lee forced his way into the Sidwell's residence with the intention of killing his ex-wife. When Mike Sidwell attempted to prevent him from entering, Lee shot him twice, killing him. The horrific event was witnessed by Lee's 5-year-old granddaughter, who was in the home at the time. Joy Sidwell was not home during the attack. After shooting Sidwell, Lee continued his search for his ex-wife, forcibly entering two other homes in the townhouse complex and terrorizing the residents before fleeing.
Police arrested Fred Lee, then 59, on the night of the shooting. A search of Lee's home uncovered nine guns and several swords. There was a documented history of domestic issues, and Joy Sidwell had previously obtained protective orders and stalking injunctions against him. Lee was initially charged with aggravated murder, a capital offense. In February 2015, he was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to the Utah State Hospital for treatment. After being found competent in May 2017, Lee pleaded guilty in June 2017 to a reduced charge of murder, as well as aggravated burglary, stalking, and domestic violence in the presence of a child as part of a plea agreement. In July 2017, Lee was sentenced to a term of 15 years to life in prison for the murder, with consecutive sentences for the other charges, totaling a minimum of 21 years before he is eligible for parole.
