Utah man charged with murder of wife in million-dollar home

A 47-year-old woman was found dead in her home in St. George, Utah, on a Sunday evening, with her husband, Eric Larson Sampson, present at the scene. He was already on conditional release due to a prior domestic violence incident. Earlier that day, police had conducted a wellness check on Niki Sampson, who was alive at that time. The police were alerted by a third party concerned for her well-being. Investigators discovered a journal belonging to Niki Sampson, which contained entries expressing her fear of her husband, particularly when he consumed alcohol. The journal detailed instances of aggression from Eric Sampson, indicating a history of domestic violence. After being read his rights, Eric provided inconsistent statements regarding the events leading to his wife's death, denying responsibility for her injuries. Niki had previously reported incidents of violence to the police, including an episode where Eric pinned her down and pulled her hair. This history of domestic abuse raises serious concerns about the safety of individuals in similar situations, as many victims often feel trapped and unsure of where to seek help. Eric Sampson has been charged with first-degree murder and second-degree aggravated assault. The case highlights the alarming statistics surrounding intimate partner violence, with a significant percentage of female murder victims being killed by their partners. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Niki Sampson's tragic death.