The preliminary hearing in the case against Samantha Krebs, accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend, has unveiled chilling details from handwritten notes discovered by investigators. These notes, found within a binder at a separate location, paint a disturbing picture of the events leading up to the tragic death.
A Twisted Narrative Unfolds: The Preliminary Hearing
On October 31, 2024, a preliminary hearing revealed crucial evidence against Samantha Krebs, charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of her boyfriend, identified in court documents as J.J.C. The hearing concluded with the judge finding sufficient evidence for Krebs to stand trial. The case centers around a July 18, 2024 incident where J.J.C. was found bleeding from a stab wound by two friends who had arrived at the couple’s residence. Krebs was notably absent from the scene. These friends, identified as John and Christie, informed police that Krebs instructed them to falsely claim J.J.C. had stabbed himself. Chillingly, Christie later revealed Krebs had confided in her, expressing fear of returning to prison.
booking photo of Samantha KrebsSamantha Krebs booking photo. (Outagamie County Sheriff)
Initially, Krebs maintained her innocence, telling investigators she had left the apartment hours before the stabbing occurred. However, Appleton Police Sgt. Chad Riddle testified that Krebs’s story dramatically shifted upon her arrest. She claimed to have witnessed J.J.C.’s suicide by stabbing.
A Trail of Deception: Surveillance and a Second Location
Sgt. Riddle’s testimony detailed how surveillance footage tracked Krebs’s movements after leaving the apartment with J.J.C. The footage showed her meeting with another man at a different apartment complex. Sgt. Riddle highlighted the apparent lack of distress or unusual behavior exhibited by Krebs during this encounter, describing it as a “normal conversation.” Krebs remained at the second location for several days. A subsequent search of this property yielded a green binder containing six handwritten pages.
Appleton Police Sgt. Chad Riddle testifies at Samantha Krebs’ preliminary hearing. (WLUK)
The Handwritten Notes: A Chilling Account
The contents of these handwritten notes, believed to be authored by Krebs, provided a detailed account of the events within the apartment, described by Sgt. Riddle as a “play-by-play.” The notes allege J.J.C. sought drugs from his uncle and entered a “manic state” when Krebs attempted to intervene. As Krebs prepared to leave, J.J.C. threatened to self-inflict a stab wound and implicate her. The notes further describe J.J.C. retrieving a “new Temu knife” from the kitchen, throwing the sheath into the living room, and the subsequent rapid escalation of events. Krebs’s account within the notes suggests J.J.C. may have underestimated the knife’s sharpness due to their previous “dull knives.”
Corroborating Evidence: Witnesses Emerge
Further strengthening the prosecution’s case, Sgt. Riddle disclosed that two of J.J.C.’s former coworkers contacted authorities following his death. These individuals reported multiple instances where Krebs had threatened J.J.C. with stabbing and death.
The Legal Proceedings: Arraignment and Next Steps
Following the preliminary hearing, Krebs was arraigned on November 5, 2024. The case is scheduled for a status conference in January 2025. This complex case continues to unfold, leaving many questions unanswered as the legal process moves forward.
Seeking Justice: The Path Ahead
The handwritten notes, witness testimonies, and surveillance footage weave a complex narrative in this tragic case. As the legal proceedings continue, the search for truth and justice for J.J.C. remains paramount. The upcoming status conference in January will mark the next chapter in this unfolding legal drama.
