Conman Convicted of Murder of Gay Activist Jorge Dias

 Steven Yinger, a convicted thief and conman who preyed on those around him, was convicted Friday in the grisly murder of Jorge Diaz Johnston, a noted gay rights activist who helped open the door in Florida to same-sex marriage.

Yinger, 38, was found guilty Friday on all counts: first-degree murder, grand theft, grand theft of a motor vehicle, tampering with physical evidence and criminal use of personal identification information.

Jorge Dias

The 12-person jury deliberated for about four hours at the Leon County Courthouse before returning its verdict. Leon Circuit Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper adjudicated him guilty and sentenced him immediately to life in prison.

Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat