A woman convicted of knifing her boyfriend to death kissed him goodbye – before ordering witnesses to say he killed himself.
Samantha Krebs, 40, was sentenced to life in Wisconsin on Tuesday after being convicted of first-degree intentional homicide by jury in September for the stabbing of her boyfriend, Joey Carnot, in 2024.
Krebs was seen by witnesses appearing to kiss Carnot on the night of the killing before leaving the scene, the complaint obtained by WBAY.
The complaint stated that Krebs told police that Carnot had stabbed himself and a witness said Krebs was heard saying, ‘I can’t go back to prison,’ on the night of the killing.
Carnot was found in the apartment that he shared with the killer, who also told friends who found Carnot with fatal knife wounds, ‘Just tell the police he stabbed himself,’ NBC 26 reported.
In court, prosecutors said the stabbing was ‘fueled by manipulation, addiction and control’ and cited Krebs criminal history stretching over a decade, consisting of 20 prior cases and 37 convictions, Court TV reported.
Carnot’s sister described Krebs as a ‘cold-hearted manipulator’ as she recalled her brother’s change in behavior and appearance during their relationship.
‘He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. He was always happy. Joey’s laugh was contagious. You couldn’t be around him and not laugh,’ she said in an impact statement, WBAY reported.
Samantha Krebs, 40, was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday after being convicted of first-degree intentional homicide by jury in September
Krebs was convicted of killing her boyfriend, Joey Carnot, in 2024 after telling witnesses to tell the police he stabbed himself
Carnot’s sister described Krebs as a ‘cold-hearted manipulator’ as she recalled her brother’s change in behavior and appearance during their relationship
Carnot’s mother added: ‘The heartache just doesn’t go away. I have dreams about him, only to wake up and realize that he’s not here with us anymore. My heart breaks over and over again.’
Krebs, who was on probation at the time of the stabbing, was found to have had a history of drug possession, including methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, Court TV reported.
Other previous charges included injury by negligent weapon use and multiple battery counts.
Krebs told the court that she loved Carnot and said she made ‘tragic decisions’ while ‘high and in shock,’ but insisted she was not responsible for Carnot’s death.
‘I never will understand … the fact that anyone would believe — even for a second — that I would hurt Joey, causing the injury that would lead to his death. There’s no way. There’s no f—ing way,’ she told the court, WLUK reported.
‘I know I’m not responsible for his death, and I stand by oath that I took in this courtroom,’ she continued.
‘While I am responsible for the wrong decision making while high and in shock, I don’t feel I deserve life in prison for that.’
However, Judge Vincent Biskupic described Krebs’ testimony as ‘window dressing,’ and said her prior violent and drug related convictions signaled her to be a risk.
The 35-year-old left behind his son Kasen, with whom he ‘cherished spending time with’
Judge Vincent Biskupic described Krebs’ testimony as ‘window dressing,’ and said her prior violent and drug related convictions signaled her to be a risk
Carnot was described on his obituary as an avid football fan and former member of the national guard.
The 35-year-old left behind his son Kasen, with whom he ‘cherished spending time with.’
‘Whether it was going on bike rides or playing with their off-road RC car; Joey’s love for his son knew no bounds. Joey leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory,’ his obituary said.
Krebs was ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution.
Biskupic sentenced her to life with eligibility for extended supervision, or parole, after 36 years and said he hopes she uses sentence to ‘do something different.’
