Rockford man convicted of reckless homicide in 2016 death of a pedestrian

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Perry Johnston, 63, was found guilty of reckless homicide among other charges that could land him in prison for 26 years.

In addition to reckless homicide, Johnston was facing charges of aggravated leaving the scene of an accident involving death, aggravated use of an electronic communication device and obstructing justice.

Johnston was on his cell phone while driving on Trainer Road and Fincham Drive when he struck Willie White, 37, and fled the scene on March 25, 2016. White was transported to an area hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Johnston was driving a 2004 BMW, which matched pieces of the vehicle found at the scene, police said.

He was convicted by a Winnebago County jury on April 26th and will be back in court on June 13th.

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