Life sentence for man who shot police officer Joseph Shinners

PROVO, Utah – The man found guilty of murdering Provo police Officer Joseph Shinners was sentenced Tuesday.

Judge Kraig Powell sentenced 45-year-old Matt Hoover to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“The loss of Joseph Shinners has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family, our police department and our city,” said a press release from the Provo Police Department. “His selfless acts of kindness toward strangers, the downtrodden and those in need mark him as a remarkable individual.”

“Today, we thank Judge Powell for taking responsibility and imposing the maximum possible sentence – recognizing the gravity of the loss to Joe’s family and our community as a whole.”

The Provo Police Department said it will continue to honor Officer Shinners’ memory and service.

On January 5, 2019, Hoover shot Shinners outside a Bed Bath & Beyond store in Orem. There was a warrant out for Shinners’ arrest.

A jury found Hoover guilty of aggravated murder on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Clayre Scott of KSL NewsRadio contributed to this story.

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