Tallahassee, Florida – Steven R. Yinger, a Florida man, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of LGBTQ+ rights activist Jorge Diaz-Johnston. A Leon County jury found Yinger guilty of several charges, including first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, grand theft motor vehicle, grand theft, and criminal use of a personal identification number. Yinger’s conviction stems from the murder of his roommate, Diaz-Johnston, whose body was discovered in a Jackson County landfill in January 2022.
Diaz-Johnston, the brother of a former Miami mayor, was known for his advocacy work and involvement in a successful lawsuit challenging Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage. His tragic murder garnered global attention, drawing focus to the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
In the aftermath of the murder, investigators determined that Diaz-Johnston had been strangled and his body wrapped in bed linens before being discarded in the trash. The victim’s husband, Don Diaz-Johnston, revealed that Jorge had taken Yinger in to help him get back on his feet, despite the two roommates having difficulties living together. This act of kindness ultimately ended in tragedy.
Following the indictment, Don Diaz-Johnston expressed anger and frustration, stating, “After all those years trying to get my husband back, to have him ripped from me for such an utterly senseless reason.” The loss was deeply felt not only by his family but also by the LGBTQ+ community and those who had been impacted by Diaz-Johnston’s advocacy work.
The murder of Jorge Diaz-Johnston is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, even in an era of increasing acceptance and legal recognition. The sentencing of Yinger brings a sense of closure to a tragic chapter in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida.
In the wake of the verdict, the justice system and the authorities’ commitment to seeking justice have been acknowledged and appreciated by Diaz-Johnston’s family. The impact of Jorge Diaz-Johnston’s legacy, and the ongoing pursuit of justice, continues to resonate both within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
The murder of Jorge Diaz-Johnston is a poignant reminder of the need for continued support, understanding, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and serves as a call to action for addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the community.