Million-dollar home murder: Utah husband charged after journal entry surfaces

Last Sunday, a Utah woman was discovered deceased in her residence, and her husband, who was currently on probation for a prior domestic violence case in July, was the only other individual present.

Niki Sampson, 47, was killed by her husband Eric Larson Sampson, 50, who was charged with first-degree murder and second-degree aggravated assault with domestic violence by St. George Police, according to an arrest report from the department.

On Sunday at approximately 8:35 p.m., officers were summoned to their residence on the 2800 block of 2300 East in the Little Valley neighborhood of St. George, where they discovered a female corpse.

The police report described "suspicious bruising" on the dead woman's arms and face, with "different stages of healing," particularly near her mouth, although "many of the bruises appeared to be fresh."

Earlier that day, a neighbor informed Fox 13 that police had conducted a wellness check at Niki Sampson's home and that she was still alive at the time.

According to police, a journal believed to be written by Niki Sampson was discovered in the seven-bedroom, four-bathroom house, and it contained entries describing how Eric Sampson would become violent when he was under the influence of alcohol. The journal "explicitly stated that [Niki Sampson] feared for her life."

Eric Sampson, after being read his Miranda rights, gave false and inconsistent statements about what happened. He admitted to having several alcoholic drinks throughout the day Sunday and discussing "previous physical altercations" with his wife.

Despite his claim of being alone with her that day, he denied inflicting the injuries on her body. Additionally, he confessed to not calling 911 for 10 to 20 minutes following the alleged attempt to rouse his wife.

An unidentified third party made the call to police after visiting Niki Sampson's home and finding her unresponsive, authorities said.

Niki Sampson, according to police records from Eric Sampson's earlier domestic violence arrest obtained by Fox 13, claimed that her husband had thrown her on their bed, pinned her arms down with his knees, and pulled her hair on July 25.

On the same day, he was released with the condition that he wouldn't reoffend, but the city stated during his arraignment that a protective order wouldn't be issued for Niki Sampson, according to the report.

Since July 2020, all law enforcement agencies in Utah have been required to conduct mandatory lethality assessments when responding to domestic violence incidents involving intimate partners. The assessment includes 10 questions. If the victim reports that their partner has ever used a weapon against them, threatened to kill them or their children, or believes that their partner "might try to kill [them]," they are referred to local domestic violence centers.

An affirmative response to any four of the remaining 10 questions, including "Does he/she have a gun," "Has he/she ever tried to choke you," "Does he/she follow or spy on your or leave threatening messages," and "Is he/she violently or constantly jealous or does he/she control most of your daily activities," will result in an immediate referral.

Susan Ertel, the president of the Dove Center, which serves domestic and sexual abuse survivors, stated that victims in that area are often referred to as such. Ertel told Fox 13 that victims often feel unsure of where to turn in these cases. She advised those who suspect their friends, family, or neighbors are victims of domestic violence to contact the police.

"Ertel said, "They can say, 'I think something's going on. Can you please come check?'" If you're wrong, great, you're wrong. If you're right, you may have saved someone's life."

It was not immediately clear whether Sampson had retained an attorney.

In 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that 34% of 4,970 female murder victims were killed by an intimate partner, while only 12% of women murdered were killed by strangers. On the other hand, 6% of 17,970 murdered males were killed by their intimate partners, and 21% of men were killed by strangers.

At Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane, Sampson is being held by St. George Police as they continue to search for more information about the case.