UTAH COUNTY, June 4, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Matt Hoover, the man convicted of the 2019 murder of Provo Police Officer Joseph Shinners was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Hoover, now 45, was previously found guilty of aggravated murder, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, failure to stop or respond to command of police, and possession or use of controlled substance.
Shinners, 29, was mortally wounded while he and other officers converged on the truck Hoover was sitting in outside a Bed, Bath and Beyond store in Orem just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2019.
Hoover was a fugitive sought on outstanding warrants, police said at the time.
There was an exchange of gunfire and Shinners fell to the pavement.
The three-year veteran of the force was rushed by fellow officers to the Utah Valley Hospital, where he died from his injuries a short while later.
Following the sentencing, the Provo Police Department shared its reaction following the sentencing.
“The loss of Joseph Shinners has left an irreplaceable void in his family’s lives, our police department, and city,” the statement says. “A spouse, father, son, brother and beloved public servant was taken away from us all.
“Joe was a man who embodied an agape love and compassion for our community, constantly going above and beyond in his role as a peace officer. His selfless acts of kindness towards strangers, the downtrodden and those in need, set him apart as a remarkable individual and peace officer. The impact of losing Joe extends far beyond his family and our police department — it deeply affected the entire city of Provo.
“Justice is accountability. Today we thank Judge Powell for upholding accountability through issuance of the maximum sentence possible — recognizing the gravity of loss for Joe’s family, and our greater community. In the words of Joe’s widow, Kaylyn: ‘Our police officers and their families need to know that as a society, we do not condone the killing of our police officers.’
“We also wish to thank the investigators, prosecution team, and jury members for their dedication in bringing justice and closure to the Shinners family. We will continue to ensure that Joseph Shinners’ memory and service — given to us at such a high price — is honored and will never be forgotten.”
