Man gets up to 30 years in prison in love-triangle stabbing death

SALT LAKE CITY — A man who pleaded guilty to stabbing and killing his friend over a woman last year was sentenced Monday to up to 30 years in prison.

Justin Guymon, 29, was sentenced by Judge Randall Skanchy to one to 15 years for manslaughter and obstruction of justice, both second-degree felonies. The sentences are to be served consecutively. The judge also ordered Guymon to serve zero to five years for possession of a dangerous weapon, a third-degree felony, but that sentence will run concurrent to the others.

Guymon also was ordered to pay $7,100 in restitution and $1,000 in attorney's fees. Guymon's attorney, Catherine Roberts, told the judge Monday that her client is "extremely remorseful" and had proven that he killed Steven Doolittle, 41, in an act of "imperfect self-defense" — which led to the charge being reduced from murder to manslaughter.

Roberts reminded the judge that Guymon took multiple hits to the head from Doolittle before he stabbed the man four times.

"Nonetheless, he is extremely sorry for causing the death of Steven Doolittle," she said.

Guymon said he knows he can never take back what he's done, but still expressed his apologies to the family.

"What happened was really unfortunate, and I feel bad for it," he said. "I'd known Steven for a long time."

The fatal fight took place Nov. 26, 2009, when Doolittle and Guymon were living in the same neighborhood in West Valley City near 3644 S. 5450 West. Guymon was dating Doolittle's former girlfriend, who testified previously that Doolittle went to confront Guymon and said he threw the first punch. Guymon's sister testified, however, that Doolittle landed the first blow. Regardless, the quarrel left Doolittle with four stab wounds that led to his death.

Prosecutor David Walsh pointed out Monday that Guymon had been provoking Doolittle for days. Walsh said Guymon's actions left a number of victims in Doolittle's parents and siblings. But he told the judge nothing spoke louder than Guymon's criminal history.

"The presentence report indicates 10 juvenile offenses ... and 24 adult offenses rising out of nine separate incidences," Walsh said. "Considering his nature, his character and his record, he begs to be kept off the streets."

Doolittle's mother and sister declined comment following the hearing, but they did say they were "glad it is over." Walsh said after the hearing that he believed the judge handed down a sentence that was "95 percent" of what they were asking for, which was enough to protect the public.

"We just hope we can keep Mr. Guymon off the streets for as long as possible," he said.

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