PROVO, Utah — After brief deliberations, a jury found Matt Frank Hoover guilty Friday on all charges related to the murder of Provo police officer Joseph Shinners in Orem in 2019.
Watch below as family reacts to today's guilty verdict:
Along with aggravated murder, Hoover was found guilty of possession of a dangerous weapon, failure to stop at a police command and possession of a controlled substance.
On Friday, closing arguments wrapped the trial that lasted just over two weeks, coming five years after Hoover shot and killed Shinners while evading arrest. During the trial, Hoover's defense team claimed their client was trying to shoot and kill himself.
"This verdict does not bring justice for me because you can never bring my husband back," said Shinners' widow, Kaylyn Shinners. "I will miss him forever and feel the impact of his loss forever. My boys, and my entire family will feel the impact of his loss forever."
After originally being charged with a capital offense, prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty for Hoover.
During the trial, several police officers were called to testify about what they experienced on Jan. 5, 2019.
"Joe exemplified honor, integrity, and personal courage," the Provo Police Department said in a statement. "He fought for justice. Joe lost his life while bravely protecting the lives of a fellow officer and citizen during the apprehension of an armed and wanted felon.
"The Provo Police Department will never forget Joseph Shinners."
Hoover is set to be sentenced on June 4.
Stay with fox13now.com and FOX 13 News for the latest on this breaking news story.
