It took a Louisiana jury just one hour to find 32-year-old Donald White II guilty of murdering his estranged wife and her mother. The conviction came after a dramatic courtroom testimony from John Johnson, the father and husband of the victims, who survived being shot himself during the brutal attack.
Survivor’s Powerful Testimony
John Johnson, 77, gave jurors a chilling account of the January 2024 shooting. Pointing his hand like a gun, he told the court: “He did this — like right here. Pow. He shot me.”
Johnson’s daughter, Jasmine Johnson (29), and his wife, Joan Johnson (70), were killed when White forced his way into Jasmine’s Shreveport home and opened fire early in the morning. The couple’s three children were present during the attack but were not harmed.
What Happened That Night
According to prosecutors, John and Joan Johnson were staying with their daughter Jasmine when the shooting took place. John awoke to see his wife lying near the bathroom door with her head bloodied. Seconds later, White appeared, locked eyes with him, and pulled the trigger.
When White, who chose to represent himself, asked John if he was sure it was him, the elderly man’s reply was firm: “I’m a thousand percent.”
Violence Before the Shooting
Evidence showed White’s violence had begun hours earlier. Jasmine gave a hospital statement before her death, saying White had chased her car after spotting her at a grocery store. She claimed he rear-ended her twice, forced her off the road, then yanked her by the shirt and hair before throwing her to the ground.
Jasmine, who was 23 weeks pregnant at the time, told police: “I drove off quick, because he said he was gonna kill me.”
Courtroom Drama
Throughout the trial, White repeatedly clashed with the judge while trying to represent himself. At one point, the judge had to remind him: “That’s not how this works.”
Despite his interruptions, the jury needed only one hour to convict him on murder charges. White is now facing life in prison without parole. His sentencing is scheduled for September 19.
A Family’s Loss
The tragedy has left three young children without their mother and grandmother, while their grandfather still recovers from the trauma of surviving the attack. The case has shaken the Shreveport community, highlighting the deadly consequences of domestic violence.
