From Law & Crime · · 2m
Man Stabs Aunt's Boyfriend Before Fleeing for Beer
Utah man sentenced to prison after fatally stabbing aunt's boyfriend in apartment argument.
In brief
Utah man sentenced to prison after fatally stabbing aunt's boyfriend in apartment argument. Deon Jennings, 35, received a prison sentence for fatally stabbing his aunt's boyfriend, Willie Houston, in a domestic dispute. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Conviction Details
Deon Jennings, 35, was convicted by a jury in August of stabbing his aunt's boyfriend, 59-year-old Willie Houston, to death.
Jury's Self-Defense Ruling
Jurors reduced the charge from murder to manslaughter, believing Jennings acted in 'imperfect self-defense.'
“imperfect self-defense”
Discovery of Victim
Police responded to a call from the Aspenwood Apartments in West Valley City, Utah, on April 30, 2022, finding Houston bleeding from his back and neck.
Victim Identification
Houston identified Jennings as his attacker before being taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Fleeing Scene
Jennings fled the scene after stabbing Houston, believing the older man was not badly hurt.
Beer Purchase Plan
Jennings left the scene to buy beer, thinking he was just fine after the altercation.
Police Investigation
West Valley City police named Jennings as a suspect days later after he called 911 but did not provide a location.
Changing Story
Jennings changed his story during a 2023 hearing, claiming he acted in self-defense but did not intend to hurt Houston.
Legal Challenge
In March 2026, a judge ruled the prosecution must disprove Jennings' self-defense claim but found the stabbing was not justified.
Sentencing
Jennings received a prison sentence of one to 15 years with credit for 1,659 days spent in the Salt Lake City Jail.
Apology Statement
Jennings expressed remorse, saying, 'I think it would be very important to explain that I regret the events that took place.'
“I think it would be very important to explain that I regret the events that took place.”
Niece's Testimony
Houston's niece stated Jennings had no remorse and would not have contacted police without her urging.
“I called him repeatedly, I reached out to him repeatedly and I connected the dots between that. It was never him.”
Prosecution Stance
Prosecutors argued Jennings deserved a prison sentence consistent with the jury's manslaughter verdict.
Final Sentence
Jennings was sentenced to one to 15 years in prison with credit for 1,659 days spent in the Salt Lake City Jail.
The short version
Deon Jennings, 35, received a prison sentence for fatally stabbing his aunt's boyfriend, Willie Houston, in a domestic dispute.