The Edmonton eye doctor, alleged to have been the target of a murder plot involving his business partner, says he fears for his life.

Doctor Joseph King spoke at the arraignment of Dr. Michael Mockovak in Seattle Wednesday morning. King told the court he fears for his life, and the lives of members of his family.

The two are partners in Clearly Lasik, which has an office on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton, and others in western Canada as well as the U.S.

According to court documents, Mockovak allegedly tried to hire a member of the Russian mob to kill King and a former employee of the company, so he could collect millions in insurance money.

Mockovak has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. A pre-trial will be scheduled for the weeks ahead.

 

Meantime, bail which was originally set at $3 million was lowered to $2 million, despite the prosecution's attempt to have that increased to $5 million.

 

King reportedly told the court Wednesday that should Mockovak be freed, either by bail or by the judge, that he would fear for his life, and the lives of members of his family.(bp)