Joplin Man Convicted in Death of Black Student Who Touched His Girlfriend - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Jan 6, 2000

JOPLIN, Mo.-- A man accused of fatally stabbing a Black college student for touching his girlfriend was convicted last month of first-degree murder.

Gary Black, 44, was charged with the Oct. 2, 1998, stabbing of Jason Johnson, 28, a student at Missouri Southern State College. Prosecutors called it a hate crime and are seeking the death penalty in the trial's punishment phase, which was set to resume last month.

Black's girlfriend said Black stabbed Johnson because he thought the man had flirted with her in a convenience store.

After the conviction, Black told Judge Jon Dermott that he wanted to remain in jail while the jury hears testimony and gives its recommended punishment. The panel can choose death or life in prison without parole.

Jurors rejected Black's claim that he stabbed Johnson in the neck in self-defense.

Prosecutors said Black followed a pickup truck in which Johnson rode for more than a mile after leaving the convenience store. After catching up with Johnson, Black stabbed him.

"He deliberated every inch of the way because in his mind, a Black man had the audacity to touch his girlfriend," Assistant Prosecutor Doug Crandall told jurors in closing arguments.