Provo man pleads not guilty in aunt's death

PROVO — A Provo man accused of raping and killing his aunt pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday in court.

Damien Allister Candland, 22, of American Fork, is charged with aggravated murder and rape, both first-degree felonies, in the February death of his aunt, Amy Jo Candland. He also is facing a charge of obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony.

The body of Amy Jo Candland was found by a person snowshoeing in Hobble Creek Canyon, east of Springville, on Feb. 21 near a dumpster. A cord had been wrapped around her neck and duct tape had been wrapped around her wrists.

Damien Candland had been living with his aunt at the time of her death and was arrested the next day.

Fourth District Judge James Taylor ordered Damien Candland to stand trial on all charges earlier this month after hearing evidence from investigators involved in the case and testimony from Candland's family, who described tension in the pair's relationship.

Amy Candland reportedly had told a friend she was "terrified" of her nephew and that she wanted him out of the house they shared, according to a probable cause statement.

The prosecutors now have 60 days to decide if they will seek the death penalty and have previously expressed interest in doing so.

The next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.

— Sara Lenz and Emiley Morgan