PROVO — The Utah County Attorney's Office is contracting a certified public accountant to help determine what restitution Robert Steven Hatch should pay for the murder of his estranged wife, Sharee.
A jury found Hatch guilty of the shotgun killing in November 2003. Fourth District Judge Fred Howard sentenced Hatch to two life terms in March.
Utah County Deputy Attorney David Wayment said Monday during a hearing before Howard that the CPA would consider funeral expenses and other "out-of-pocket" costs to the victim's family as well as wrongful death or "value-of-life" estimates of Sharee Hatch's earning capabilities.
Defense attorney Jose Silva has made a motion to strike restitution in the case. Silva argued that because Hatch maintains he is innocent, no restitution can be ordered by the court.
Howard scheduled a hearing on the motion for Feb. 22.