Update: Roommate Charged In Killing Of Gay Rights Activist Found Dead In Landfill
An update to the story of the gay rights activist who was murdered back in January, via NBC:
The roommate of a Florida gay rights advocate whose body was found in a Florida landfill in January has been charged with murder.
Steven Yinger strangled Jorge Diaz-Johnston at his Tallahassee home and dumped his body, which was later found in a trash pile at a landfill in Baker, Florida, about 60 miles east of the Alabama border, according to an indictment issued by a circuit court in Leon County.
Yinger faces charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence and grand theft, according to the five-count indictment. After discarding Diaz-Johnston’s body, Yinger allegedly used his BMW, iPhone and cash. The 36-year-old suspect has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2004, which includes prison sentences for theft and cocaine distribution, according to public records. He’s currently being held at Leon County Jail without bail.
[NBC: Roommate charged in killing of gay advocate found in Florida landfill]
Original story from January posted below.
Another senseless tragedy out of Florida (where else):
A gay rights advocate who was integral in legalizing same-sex marriage in Florida was found dead in a landfill in what is being investigated as a homicide, authorities said Wednesday.
Jorge Diaz-Johnston, 54, the brother of former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, had been last seen alive Jan. 3, Tallahassee police said. Shortly after a missing person alert was issued for him Saturday, his body was found in a trash pile at a landfill in Baker, Florida.
The current mayor of Miami, Daniella Levine Cava, acknowledged Diaz-Johnston’s role in advancing LGBTQ rights in the city.
“In Jorge Diaz-Johnston, we lost a champion, a leader, and a fighter for our LGBTQ community,” she wrote on Twitter. “His tragic loss will be felt profoundly by all who loved him, as we honor his life and legacy.”
The murder investigation is ongoing.
[NBC: Florida gay rights activist found dead in landfill]
