Widow of slain Lewisville pawn shop owner finds closure after murder conviction
LEWISVILLE, Texas - Nearly two years after her husband was murdered at the Lewisville pawn shop he owned, one of the men arrested for his murder was convicted and will never get out of prison.
Last Friday, a Denton County jury convicted one of three men for the murder of a Lewisville pawn shop owner, Daniel White.
It was difficult for Daniel White’s widow to sit through the trial, especially when the 911 call was played in the courtroom.
Yolanda White learned her husband was able to share a suspect description after he was shot in the chest. That description, according to investigators, helped prosecutors build their case.
"He took the best thing away from me," Yolanda told FOX 4. "He took away a son to my dad. My other half. I told him he split my soul in two and my heart."
Next to Yolanda’s heart lies the ashes of her husband. The precious piece of jewelry was around her neck last week as she spoke directly to Daniel’s killer in court.
"I hope my words echo in your mind for the rest of your life," she told the killer.
19-year-old Jatevon Johnson will spend his life in prison without the possibility of parole. Last Friday, a Denton County jury found him guilty of capital murder for Daniel’s killing.
Jatevon Johnson
As Daniel was opening the shop on Valentine’s Day 2023, Johnson and two others attempted to rob the store, and he was shot in the chest.
During the trial, prosecutors stated Johnson pulled the trigger.
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54-year-old Daniel White had just opened up his pawn shop Tuesday morning when police say he was shot and killed. The three suspects are still on the run.
Brothers Denyrion Skinner and Damonta Skinner were also arrested and charged with capital murder. The two are waiting to go to trial.
Denyrion Skinner and Damonta Skinner
For Yolanda, facing Johnson was her biggest worry.
"It’s behind me. I have no worry anymore. I feel like I can move forward," she said.
Moving forward means running the pawn shop her husband poured his life into. Now, Yolanda feels it’s her purpose.
"If Daniel would have survived, he is the type of man who would’ve forgiven him," she said. "I am nowhere near that. As deep as my faith is, I can’t do that right now."
The Denton County District Attorney’s Office says plea deals are still on the table for the Skinner brothers or they can choose to proceed and go to trial.