Kidus Yohannes was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the aggravated murder of Candace Samples, a Third District Court judge ruled on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, according to a September 30 statement from Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. The sentence also included a term of 0-5 years for one count of attempted manslaughter, a third-degree felony.
The incident occurred on November 7, 2018, when police responded to reports of two individuals being stabbed behind a Dollar Tree located at 477 North and 300 West in Salt Lake City. Investigators determined that Ms. Samples had allegedly stolen Yohannes' phone while at the Marmalade Library, leading to a confrontation in a dumpster enclosure.
During the encounter, Yohannes allegedly produced a knife and threatened to use it to retrieve his phone. Witnesses reported that the confrontation escalated when Jeffrey Plante attempted to assist. Witnesses Gary Davies and Pamela Rees provided accounts of the attack, noting that Yohannes stabbed Mr. Plante and Ms. Samples before fleeing the scene through opened gates.
Ms. Samples, who sustained 20 stab wounds to her head, arms, and torso, died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Mr. Plante survived the attack and was admitted to the intensive care unit at the University of Utah Hospital.
While Yohannes initially denied involvement or interaction with the victims, surveillance footage from a nearby 7-11 showed the defendant and Ms. Samples entering and leaving the store together. Additionally, forensic analysis of blood found on Yohannes' shoes matched the DNA profile of Candace Samples.
The legal proceedings faced various delays, including competency evaluations, DNA testing, and witness availability. On July 22, 2021, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of aggravated murder and attempted murder against Yohannes.
A jury concluded the trial, which ran from August 4, 2026, to August 7, 2026, finding the defendant guilty of one count of aggravated murder and one count of attempted manslaughter via imperfect self-defense.
At the sentencing, Mr. Plante spoke regarding his recovery and his current work at the Other Side Academy. The family of Ms. Samples shared a video of her life during the proceedings.
District Attorney Sim Gill stated that the sentence ensures the defendant will not be released into the public. Gill noted that while the outcome is not perfect justice, the sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant's actions.
