APPLETON, Wis. (Court TV) —A judge sentenced Samantha Krebs to life in prison Tuesday, ruling she will not be eligible for extended supervision until she has served 36 years for the stabbing death of her boyfriend.
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Samantha Krebs sits in court during her sentencing on Nov. 25, 2025. (Court TV)
Krebs, 40, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Joey Carnot, who was stabbed to death on July 18, 2024 — a killing prosecutors described as a domestic violence homicide fueled by manipulation, addiction, and control. Krebs was facing a mandatory life sentence under Wisconsin law. Judge Vincent Biskupic had to decide whether she would ever be eligible for extended supervision — the state’s equivalent of parole.
Emotional Victim Impact Statements
One by one, Carnot’s loved ones described the profound trauma of losing him and urged the judge to ensure Krebs never leaves prison.
- Former teacher Laura Lindberg said Joey’s happiest years were “overshadowed” by his destructive relationship with Krebs.
- A statement from Joey’s grandmother said Krebs should never be eligible for parole.
- Joey’s sister described dramatic changes in his appearance and behavior and said her son now struggles without his father. She called Krebs a “coldhearted manipulator.”
- Joey’s mother recounted hearing her son’s “death rattle” on the 911 call and said she hopes Krebs “rots in prison.”
State and Defense Arguments
District Attorney Mindy Tempelis detailed Krebs’ 20 prior cases and 37 convictions, prior threats to stab others, and jail calls where Krebs “laughed and cackled,” urging the judge to sentence her to life without the possibility of release.
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Defense attorney Stephanie Rock asked for parole eligibility, citing a year of sobriety, remorse, and insight shown in the pre-sentencing investigation (PSI).
Krebs Speaks Out at Sentencing
Krebs said she loved Joey, that they had set a wedding date, and that she made “tragic decisions” while high and in shock. She insisted she is not responsible for Joey’s death but admitted poor choices and asked the court not to impose life with no release.
Judge’s Sentence
Hon. Vincent Biskupic sentenced Krebs to life in prison with eligibility for extended supervision after 36 years, adding that he hopes she uses the coming decades in custody “to do something different.”
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