Shreveport, Louisiana, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The trial of Donald White commenced in Shreveport, where he faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree murder. The incident involved a fatal shooting that took the lives of his girlfriend and her mother in January. Witness testimony highlights the severe impact on the surviving family members and raises awareness of the dangerous dynamics linked to domestic violence.
Shreveport, Louisiana – The trial of Donald White, 32, has commenced in the Caddo Parish Courthouse, where jury selection took place on Tuesday morning. White faces two counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his girlfriend, Jasmine Johnson, 29, and her mother, Joan Johnson, 70. The deadly incident occurred on January 14, 2024, in the Martin Luther King neighborhood of Shreveport.
Opening statements are set to begin after lunch in the courtroom of Judge Donald Hathaway Jr.. The charges against White result from an early morning shooting that left Jasmine and Joan dead, while Jasmine’s father, John Johnson, was injured in the attack. John Johnson reported to police that White forcibly entered their home by knocking down the door before the shooting unfolded.
Notably, White had prior legal issues, having faced domestic abuse charges in August 2023 related to a previous incident involving Jasmine, who was pregnant at the time. In August 2023, a sanity evaluation determined that White was aware of the “rightfulness and wrongfulness of his behavior” and was capable of aiding in his defense.
As the courtroom proceedings unfolded, witness testimony from John Johnson painted a harrowing picture. He described awakening to find his wife, Joan, lying bloodied on the bathroom floor and subsequently being shot by White, who then turned the gun on him. The trial also included a recorded statement from Jasmine Johnson detailing the violence she suffered during her relationship with White, including being chased in her car and other assaults.
While White has chosen to represent himself in court, procedural objections have been raised by Judge Hathaway regarding his performance in the courtroom. Depending on the progression of the trial, it may conclude by the end of the day, with testimony expected to continue into Wednesday.
Prosecutors are focusing on the severity of the charges and the significant impact the incident has had on the surviving family members, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll on John Johnson after losing both his wife and daughter to the gunfire.
The case has highlighted significant issues regarding domestic violence and the legal ramifications that follow, given White’s history of abuse. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangerous dynamics that can exist in such relationships, affecting not only the direct victims but also their families.
The outcome of the trial remains to be seen, but it underscores the broader societal challenges of addressing and preventing domestic violence in our communities.
FAQ
What charges is Donald White facing?
Donald White is facing two counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder.
When did the shooting incident occur?
The shooting incident occurred on January 14, 2024.
Who were the victims in this case?
The victims were Jasmine Johnson, 29, and her mother, Joan Johnson, 70, both of whom were killed in the shooting.
What is the current status of the trial?
The trial is currently ongoing with jury selection completed on Tuesday morning and opening statements expected to begin later the same day.
What did the sanity evaluation reveal about Donald White?
The sanity evaluation concluded that Donald White was aware of the rightfulness and wrongfulness of his behavior and was capable of assisting in his defense.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Donald White, 32 |
| Charges | Two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder |
| Victims | Jasmine Johnson, 29; Joan Johnson, 70 |
| Incident Date | January 14, 2024 |
| Location | Martin Luther King neighborhood, Shreveport |
| Surviving Family Member | John Johnson (father/husband) |
| Legal Representation | Donald White is representing himself |
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Double Homicide Trial
- KTBS: Caddo DA Trial Stats
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Defendant Representing Self
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Google Search: Caddo Parish Trial Statistics
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
