The man accused of killing 17-year-old Riley Whitelaw in a Colorado Springs Walgreens breakroom in June 2022 was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday.
A jury found Joshua Johnson guilty of first-degree murder, and 4th Judicial District Court Judge Eric Bentley sentenced Johnson to life in prison on Wednesday, 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen said at a news conference.
Whitelaw and Johnson, 29, were coworkers at Walgreens in the 6800 block of Centennial Boulevard. Whitelaw had previously told a store manager that Johnson made her feel uncomfortable, and he had made advances toward her, according to an arrest affidavit.
Police responded to the Walgreens on June 11, 2022, after employees reported they found a body in the breakroom, according to an arrest affidavit. Investigators found surveillance video of Johnson stacking boxes in front of a camera to block its view before the murder. The El Paso County Coroner’s Office determined Whitelaw died as a result of multiple stab wounds.
Johnson was arrested after he was found by the Colorado State Patrol walking along Interstate 25 near Trinidad with scratches on his hands and face.
Johnson pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A vase of sunflowers sat on the podium at Wednesday’s news conference because the flowers remind Whitelaw’s family of her light, district attorney’s office spokesperson Kate Singh said.
Her family called her “Smiley Riley” and “Sunshine,” and she was a vibrant soul, Singh said.
Allen thanked the law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim advocates and others involved in the case for their work to bring about justice for Whitelaw.
“They worked hard to find the truth so that the wicked can be punished according to the law,” Allen said. “Today, that punishment arrived with a guilty verdict and a life in prison sentence for the brutal and senseless murder of Riley. Riley’s light continues to burn bright, and her loved ones, friends and Riley’s mom have dedicated themselves to guarding that flame. Riley is not forgotten, and today she received the justice that Colorado law can provide.”
Whitelaw’s legacy will include a law passed this year to protect juvenile victims, witnesses and their families, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said.
“Today we stand together as a measure of justice has been found,” Vasquez said. “While we know this verdict can’t bring Riley back, we know her legacy of being a kind and loving person will live on through her family and her friends and the legislation brought about in the wake of this tragedy.”
Senate Bill 23-075 requires that a juvenile victim’s or witness’ name and identifying information be deleted from criminal justice records that are released to the public.
“I’m thankful that Riley’s law will allow us further protection for other victims, witnesses and their families statewide,” Vasquez said.
Whitelaw’s family started a nonprofit in her honor after raising more than $60,000 on GoFundMe. The Riley I Whitelaw Memorial Fund awarded its first scholarships and grants in May to Whitelaw’s classmates graduating from Air Academy High School, including two $2,000 scholarships and four $400 grants, according to the organization’s website.
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