Shreveport, LA – A Louisiana man convicted of the brutal murders of his estranged wife and her mother, along with the attempted murder of her father, will spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced last week.
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Donald White II, 32, was handed two life sentences on September 19 by a local judge, confirmed the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court’s Office. White was found guilty on September 10 after a brief one-hour deliberation by the jury. The charges included two counts of second-degree murder for killing Jasmine Johnson, 29, and Joan Johnson, 70, as well as second-degree attempted murder for shooting John Johnson, 77. The life sentences will run consecutively with an additional 50-year sentence for the attempted murder charge.
The Night of the Attack
On January 14, 2024, the violent attack unfolded at Jasmine Johnson’s home in Shreveport. Donald White, estranged from Jasmine, forcibly entered the residence and began shooting. Jasmine and her parents were at the house, while their three children were also present but unhurt during the incident.
John Johnson vividly recalled the moment he was attacked, saying, “He did this — like right here,” and demonstrated the shooting gesture while testifying in court. He described the scene: after hearing a disturbance, he saw his wife, Joan, lying on the ground, bloodied, near the bathroom door. Seconds later, White locked eyes with John and opened fire.
“Pow,” John Johnson testified, mimicking the sound of the gunshot and motioning as though holding a weapon.
White’s Legal Representation and Courtroom Behavior
Throughout the trial, Donald White, who chose to represent himself, faced reprimands from the judge. At one point, the judge had to remind him, “That’s not how this works,” after White failed to adhere to proper legal protocol. Despite his attempt to defend himself, the evidence was overwhelming, leading to his conviction.
Testimonies and Witness Accounts
John Johnson’s testimony was crucial. When asked if he was sure White had shot him, John responded with certainty:
“I’m a thousand percent sure.”
Additionally, Jasmine Johnson, who was critically injured, provided a harrowing account of events. She said that earlier in the day, White had chased her in his car after spotting her at a local grocery store. As Jasmine was driving with two of their children, White allegedly rear-ended her vehicle twice, forcing her off the road. He then physically assaulted her, dragging her by the hair and repeatedly tossing her to the ground. She claimed White had threatened to kill her, prompting her to flee.
The Aftermath and Impact
Jasmine Johnson’s injuries were ultimately fatal. Her testimony about the earlier assault, combined with the eyewitness accounts from her father and the overwhelming evidence, sealed White’s fate. The case sheds light on the violent escalation of domestic disputes and the tragic consequences of abuse and control.
Conclusion
Donald White’s conviction and subsequent life sentence bring a measure of justice to the families affected by his violent actions. As the court proceedings concluded, many questions remain about the psychological and emotional toll on the victims’ family members. White’s sentence ensures he will never be able to harm anyone again.
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