The prison sentence of John White for the 2006 racially-charged slaying of a white teen who menacingly descended on their Long Island home was commuted today by Gov. Paterson.
“Our society strives to be just, but the pursuit of justice is a difficult and arduous endeavor,” Paterson said in a statement. “While the incident and Mr. White’s trial engendered much controversy and comment, and varying assessments of justice were perceived, its most common feature was heartbreak.
“My decision today may be an affront to some and a joy to others, but my objective is only to seek to ameliorate the profound suffering that occurred as a result of this tragic event.”
Outside his home today, White said, “I’m definitely glad to be home with my family for Christmas, and I hope everyone has a pleasant and happy holiday.”
White, 57, was convicted by a Long Island jury of manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon following the Aug. 9, 2006, incident in Miller Place.
White had been serving time at Mt. McGregory Housing Facility in upstate Wilton.
Following a series of failed appeals, White began serving a 1 1/3-to-4-year prison term this summer for shooting Daniel Cicciaro Jr., 17, of Medford.
“I don’t understand this justice system,” Sonia White said outside the courthouse in Riverhead after her husband began serving time in July. “I am going to stand for justice and I am not going to back down.”
Cicciaro Jr. and four friends approached White’s home to confront his teenage son, Aaron, believing he had threatened a friend with rape in an Internet chat room.
The girl later recanted the claim.
White, who is black, confronted the group with a gun he said accidentally discharged. At the time, prosecutors called the shooting intentional.
“On August 9, 2006, a young life was lost, beliefs were challenged, lives were ruined and a community became distraught. No one intended this, yet everyone suffered,” said Paterson. “I am deeply saddened by the events of that day and am committed to working to heal the pain that it has caused to the affected families and community.
“The action I am taking today is one of understanding, forgiveness and hope, which I believe are the essential components of justice.”
At his trial, White testified that he grew up in Brooklyn hearing stories about how the Ku Klux Klan burned down his grandfather’s store in Alabama in the 1920s. He said he feared a similar attack was about to take place.
But Suffolk County DA Thomas J. Spota blasted Paterson, who is also black, for the decision.
“I strongly believe the governor should have had the decency and the compassion to at least contact the victim’s family to allow them to be heard before commuting the defendant’s sentence,” Spota said.
Governors, like the president, routinely pardon those convicted of crimes before leaving office. Paterson’s last day as governor is next Friday, before Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo takes the oath on Jan. 1.
The Rev. Al Sharpton praised Paterson’s decision.
“We salute Gov. Paterson’s decision and hope that all families involved will move towards healing,” he said. “There are no winners in this situation. The governor in my judgment showed great courage and fairness.”