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Landlord Sentenced to Life Without Parole for 2015 Triple Murder in Salt Lake City

Alexander Hung Tran has been sentenced to life without parole for the 2015 murders of 63-year-old Heike Poike, her 2-month-old granddaughter Lyrik and family friend Dakota Smith. The victims were found inside a Salt Lake City home on Sept. 18, 2015; Tran was discovered in the basement and later convicted. Prosecutors say Tran developed an obsession with the tenant's daughter, A.P., and expressed a desire to marry her and have a child. The sentence imposed was three life terms without the possibility of parole.

04:11 AM, 12/01/2025Society
Landlord Sentenced to Life Without Parole for 2015 Triple Murder in Salt Lake City

A Salt Lake City landlord, Alexander Hung Tran, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2015 slayings of 63-year-old Heike Poike, her 2-month-old granddaughter Lyrik Poike and family friend Dakota Smith.

Case and Conviction

Police discovered the victims inside a residence on September 18, 2015, after Heike failed to pick up her grandson from school. Responding officers found Tran in the basement; the bodies of Heike, Lyrik and Dakota Smith were inside the home. Tran was identified as a suspect and later tried for the killings. He was convicted on August 23 and, on November 7, received three consecutive life sentences without parole.

Motive and Investigation

Prosecutors said Tran had allowed Heike's daughter, identified in court records only as A.P., to live at the property with her two children. Heike had moved in to help care for the children while A.P. worked. Over time, investigators say Tran developed an obsession with A.P., repeatedly telling her he wanted to marry her and have a child. A.P. responded only out of obligation, according to court records; the substance of her replies has not been publicly detailed.

Tran's mother, who purchased the home for him, told police she disapproved of the tenants and intended to begin eviction proceedings. Authorities have not identified any additional parties as having been involved in the crimes.

Community Reaction and Memorials

The killings shocked the local community. In online obituaries and remembrances, family and friends described Dakota Smith as having a "heart of gold" and recalled Lyrik as a smiling "little princess." Heike was remembered as a proud mother and grandmother who loved sharing photos and celebrating her family.

If you are experiencing domestic violence or feel unsafe, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Timeline: Victims found on Sept. 18, 2015; Tran convicted on Aug. 23 (year of conviction reported at trial); sentenced to life without parole on Nov. 7.

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