After Decades Without Justice, Scott Johnson’s Killer Has Been Sentenced To Prison
The murder of gay American mathematician Scott Johnson has gripped Australia since the 1988 case first hit headlines. After years of investigations and appeals, Scott White was arrested for the murder and indicted in court.
On Thursday, June 8, the Johnson family watched on as Justice Robert Beech-Jones handed down a sentence of nine years to Scott White for manslaughter, reports 9 News.
Peace and closure after three decades of fighting for justice
Scott Johnson was a mathematician new to Sydney when he met a then 18-year-old Scott Phillip White at a Manly hotel on the eve of December 10, 1988. Johnson was studying to receive his doctorate from the Australian National University when an altercation between himself and Mr White occurred leading to the tragic event of Scott Johnson’s death.
After being ruled a suicide, the Johnson family worked tirelessly to appeal to authorities for a new investigation. Their fierce battle for justice culminated in the identification and arrest of Scott White in 2020. After having denied any involvement in Dr Johnson’s death, Scott White admitted his guilt in a surprise plea during a pre-trial hearing in January 2022. At the time, he exclaimed to the court “guilty, I am guilty!” to the charge of murder. The accused withdrew his plea in November and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The family of Scott Johnson spoke to the court on Tuesday, June 6 offering an emotional victim impact statement. “My sister Rosemary and I all felt some compassion because of his generous plea. Today I have no sympathy,” says Steve Johnson, the victim’s brother who campaigned vigorously for justice. “So I am hoping the judge will give him the stiffest sentence he possibly can. He didn’t check on Scott, he didn’t call for help, he notified no one. He simply let Scott die.”
On Thursday, June 8, Justice Robert Beech-Jones sentenced Scott White to nine years in prison. Having served part of his sentence already, Mr White will be eligible for release in 2026. “Dr Johnson was an American citizen … he had everything to live for,” says Justice Beech-Jones. “The offender left (him) to die.”
The Johnson family report feeling like they finally have justice for Scott. Rosemary Johnson had a message for her brother that she made during her victim impact statement: “You are loved, you are missed, your life mattered, and you have not been forgotten.”
