Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Australian sentenced to 9 years for 1988 killing of gay American

  • Scott Phillip White pleaded guilty to manslaughter of Scott Johnson, whose death was long believed to be a hate crime.
  • White had first pleaded guilty to murder but conviction was overturned; confessed in prison call.
  • Johnson's family campaigned for justice for 35 years and helped spur inquiry into historic police indifference to anti-gay hate crimes.
  • White eligible for parole in 2026; Johnson's family finds some closure, though judge couldn't confirm hate crime motive.
  • White's former wife came forward with information that led to White's arrest; Johnson's brother praised her role.
Hero image