A Utah woman named Niki Sampson was found dead in her home last Sunday, with her husband, Eric Larson Sampson, being the only other person inside. Eric, who was already on a conditional release for a previous domestic violence incident in July, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and second-degree aggravated assault with domestic violence by the St. George Police. Officers discovered the woman’s body with suspicious bruising on her arms and face, including near her mouth, with some bruises appearing to be fresh. A journal presumably written by Niki was found in the home, detailing how Eric would become aggressive when drinking alcohol, expressing fear for her life.
After being read his Miranda rights, Eric gave false and inconsistent statements about what happened. He admitted to having several alcoholic drinks throughout the day and discussed previous physical altercations with his wife. While he claimed to have been alone with her that day, he denied causing the injuries found on her body and admitted to not calling 911 for 10 to 20 minutes after allegedly trying to wake her up. A third party made the emergency call after visiting the home and finding Niki unresponsive. Niki had previously reported to police that Eric had physically assaulted her in July, leading to his conditional release and the decision not to issue a protective order on her behalf.
Beginning in July of the previous year, all law enforcement agencies in Utah have been required to conduct mandatory lethality assessments during responses to domestic violence incidents between intimate partners. If the victim expresses concerns about their partner using a weapon, making threats, or showing signs of violent or controlling behavior, they are referred to domestic violence centers. Affirmative responses to certain questions lead to immediate referrals, with the goal of protecting victims and preventing future violence. Susan Ertel, board president of the Dove Center, encourages those who suspect domestic violence to reach out to law enforcement for assistance.
The statistics show that a significant number of female murder victims in the US are killed by intimate partners, highlighting the prevalence of domestic violence-related deaths. St. George Police are continuing their investigation into Niki Sampson’s death, with Eric Sampson currently held at Purgatory Correctional Facility. Concerns about domestic violence should be taken seriously, and reporting suspicions to authorities can potentially save lives. It is not yet known whether Sampson has retained legal representation in his case, as the legal process continues to unfold for the accused individual.
The tragic death of Niki Sampson sheds light on the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the country, with a significant percentage of female murder victims being killed by intimate partners. The importance of recognizing the signs of domestic violence and taking action to protect potential victims is emphasized by law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups. The case highlights the need for comprehensive responses to domestic violence, including support for victims and interventions to prevent further harm. As the investigation into Niki Sampson’s death progresses, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of domestic violence to authorities for prompt action.
