Life imprisonment for man who shot police officer in Provo, Utah

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

Matt Hoover, 45, was sentenced by Judge Kraig Powell 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,” the Provo Police Department said in a press release.

“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 ensure Officer Shinners’ memory and service are honored.

On January 5, 2019, Shinners was shot while attempting to arrest Hoover outside a Bed Bath & Beyond location in Orem.

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