Kidus Yohannes was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, for the 2018 aggravated murder of 20-year-old Candace Samples. Third District Judge Kristine Johnson also handed down a sentence of zero to five years for attempted manslaughter regarding the stabbing of a bystander who attempted to intervene during the attack.
Legal Proceedings and Verdicts
The sentencing follows a trial that began on Aug. 4, 2026, and concluded on Aug. 7, 2026, after several years of legal delays. According to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, the delays were caused by DNA testing, competency evaluations, and the availability of witnesses. The jury found Yohannes guilty of aggravated murder and also determined he acted under a theory of imperfect self-defense regarding the stabbing of Jeffrey Plante, resulting in a conviction for attempted manslaughter.
The 2018 Attack
The fatal incident occurred on Nov. 7, 2018, behind a Dollar Tree located at the intersection of 477 North and 300 West in Salt Lake City. Prosecutors stated that the confrontation began after Samples took Yohannes' cell phone while at the nearby Marmalade Library. Yohannes confronted Samples and another man, Jacoby Allen, in a dumpster enclosure behind the store. According to a news release from the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, Yohannes threatened the individuals with a knife, stating he would use it if he did not get his phone back.
Details of the Violence
During the encounter, Yohannes attacked several people who tried to intervene. Jeffrey Plante, who heard the confrontation and ran to assist, was stabbed shortly after entering the enclosure. Another witness observed Yohannes repeatedly attacking Samples before fleeing the scene. Samples sustained 20 stab wounds to her head, arms, and torso and died shortly after arriving at a hospital. While Plante suffered critical injuries and was admitted to the University of Utah Hospital's intensive care unit, he survived the attack.
Forensic Evidence and Arrest
Although Yohannes was arrested and initially denied any involvement in the crime, forensic analysis later linked him to the scene. Investigators found blood on Yohannes' shoes that matched the DNA profile of Candace Samples. Surveillance footage from a nearby 7-Eleven also showed Yohannes with Samples prior to the attack. Yohannes, 39, was formally charged by the prosecutor's office in July 2021.
Family Reactions
At the sentencing hearing, family members of Samples shared memories of her life and the profound impact of her death. Her sister, Celeste Swift, told the court that Samples was "so far beyond just another homeless person" and described her as "our whole family's world." Annette Atwood, who raised Samples, noted that while the sentence would not erase their grief, it might facilitate healing and peace.
Survivor Testimony
Jeffrey Plante, the bystander injured in the attack, also spoke during the sentencing. Plante testified that he has since turned his life around and is currently working at the Other Side Academy, an organization where he helps others. The family of Samples also presented a video showcasing her life to the courtroom during the proceedings.
Prosecution Statement
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated that the life sentence ensures Yohannes will never be released into the community. Gill remarked that while the sentence is not "perfect justice," it recognizes the gravity of the defendant's actions. The prosecution also acknowledged the work of attorneys John Ham and Jeremy McKinney, as well as support staff and victim counselors David Detorres and Kobe Jeppesen, in resolving the case.
