Steven Yinger, aged 38, has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering 54-year-old gay rights activist Jorge Diaz-Johnston. The tragic incident occurred in January 2022 when Yinger strangled Diaz-Johnston and callously disposed of his body in a trash can.
The jury at Leon County Courthouse deliberated for four hours before reaching the verdict.
Diaz-Johnston, a prominent figure in the fight for same-sex marriage in Florida, had shown kindness to Yinger by letting him live with him after his release from prison in October 2021.
However, this act of generosity took a dark turn as Yinger not only took Diaz-Johnston’s life but also committed additional crimes by using his belongings, including a BMW, cellphone, and credit card.
The trial was attended by family and friends of Diaz-Johnston, including his husband, who shared heart-wrenching victim impact statements.
The case underscored Yinger’s disregard for his victim, demonstrated by his use of Diaz-Johnston’s bank cards even after the murder. The senseless betrayal and loss were emphasized throughout the trial, painting a grim picture of the devastating consequences of Yinger’s actions.
