Michael Ray White

Murderer

1known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Yavapai County, Arizona, USA
Date of birth: October 10, 1951
Age at first offence: 36
Characteristics: attempt to collect insurance money, murder for hire
Victim profile: David Johnson
Method of murder: Shooting (.357 Magnum)
Date(s) of murder: December 12, 1987
Years active: 1987
Date of arrest: —
Status: Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on December 9, 1996

Case Summary

Background

Michael Ray White was Caucasian. White and Susan Minter were lovers. Minter was also having a relationship with David Johnson, a miner from Bagdad. Minter and White decided to kill Johnson to collect on his life insurance policy.

Susan Minter married David Johnson in November 1987. Minter named herself and her children as beneficiaries on his life insurance policy.

The offence

On December 12, 1987, White waited outside Johnson's home for Johnson to return from work. Using a potato as a silencer, White shot Johnson with a .357 Magnum in the face and the back. Minter, who was inside the home, locked the doors and refused to let Johnson in as he called for help. Johnson died later that night.

Investigation

No investigation details were provided.

Trial

White and Susan Minter were involved in the killing of David Johnson.

The proceedings included:

Presiding Judge: James Hancock
Prosecutor: Jill Lynch
Start of Trial: June 29, 1988
Verdict: July 14, 1988
Sentencing: August 8, 1988

Minter was tried separately and convicted of first-degree murder. She received a life sentence.

Sentencing

White was resentenced on December 9, 1996.

Aggravating Circumstances: Pecuniary gain. Mitigating Circumstances: None sufficient to call for leniency.

Appeals

The published opinions included:

State v. White, 168 Ariz. 500, 815 P.2d 869 (1991).

Outcome

White was sentenced to death on December 9, 1996.

Aftermath

No aftermath details were provided.

Other details

David Johnson was a miner from Bagdad. The weapon used was a .357 Magnum, and White used a potato as a silencer.

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