Kidus Yohannes Sentenced to Life for 2018 Murder
A Salt Lake City man received a life sentence without parole for the 2018 stabbing death of Candance Samples.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints
A judge has sentenced Kidus Yohannes to life in prison without the possibility of parole following his conviction for the 2018 murder of 20-year-old Candance Samples. Yohannes attacked the victim behind a Salt Lake City Dollar Tree after a dispute over a stolen phone.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a lengthy legal process that relied on forensic DNA evidence to secure a conviction for aggravated murder. The case highlights the severe legal consequences for fatal acts of violence stemming from interpersonal disputes.
Kidus Yohannes was convicted of first-degree felony aggravated murder and third-degree felony manslaughter following a 3-day jury trial. He stabbed Candance Samples 20 times during the incident.
The players
Kidus Yohannes
He is a convicted murderer who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Candance Samples
She was a 20-year-old victim who died following an attack behind a Salt Lake City business.
Jeffrey Plante
He is a survivor of a stabbing attack who intervened during the incident.
Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office
This is the local government entity responsible for prosecuting criminal cases within the county.
The details
Yohannes confronted Samples regarding a stolen phone before brandishing a knife and stabbing her 20 times. He also attacked Jeffrey Plante, who survived the incident after attempting to intervene to protect Samples.
Timeline
The murder of Candance Samples took place in 2018.
Forensic DNA testing on the defendant's shoes was completed in 2021.
The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office filed charges in 2021.
A jury found Yohannes guilty in August 2026.
The court sentenced Yohannes to life without parole on September 29, 2026.
Culture Shift
This case follows a pattern set by the 2021 Utah State forensic DNA analysis standards, which provided the necessary evidence to move the charges forward. The reliance on such forensic breakthroughs reflects a broader societal trend toward utilizing advanced technology to resolve long-standing criminal investigations.
The resolution of this case brings a conclusion to a years-long investigation that impacted the local community near 400 North and 300 West. Residents can now see the legal process fulfilled following the high-profile stabbing incident.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the permanent role forensic evidence plays in closing historical criminal files. Families affected by violent crime often experience long wait times for legal closure, but technological advancements continue to aid in achieving justice.
Further reading
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