Johnathan Wayne Goforth was born on November 21, 1960, in rural Jessamine County, Kentucky. He was the youngest of three children. His early years were generally stable and without major public incidents. Friends and neighbors described him as quiet but capable, earning respect as an accomplished carpenter and plumber in his adult life.

Despite his steady work history, Goforth struggled with addiction, particularly to drugs. Over time, his substance abuse contributed to a criminal record, including robbery and drug-related convictions before the murder of Lonetta White. Known by the nickname “Heavy,” he was recognized for his large build and reputation as someone who could be both reserved and unpredictable.

By 1998, Goforth was living on the fringes, cycling in and out of legal trouble and using drugs heavily. His association with Virginia Caudill, who also battled addiction, ultimately set in motion a plan that would end in murder and the death penalty.

On March 15, 1998, Goforth and Virginia Susan Caudill went to the Lexington home of 73-year-old Lonetta Penman White. Caudill, who was the ex-fiancée of White’s son, had previously lived there but moved out after her engagement ended over her drug use.

That evening, the pair entered White’s home intending to rob her to fund their drug habit. Once inside, prosecutors said, they attacked White with a hammer, delivering at least 13 crushing blows to her head. The assault was so severe that the coroner later testified it would have caused excruciating pain and rapid death.

After killing White, Goforth and Caudill ransacked the home, taking jewelry, guns, and a mink coat. They stuffed White’s body into the trunk of her own car, drove to a rural area, and set the vehicle on fire to destroy evidence.

White’s burned remains were discovered by authorities soon after. Investigators collected hair, blood, and DNA from the car, which later linked both suspects to the crime.

The pair fled Kentucky, triggering a nationwide manhunt. Caudill was arrested first, found under an alias in Louisiana after an America’s Most Wanted viewer recognized her. Goforth was captured in Mississippi weeks later following a tip-off to police.

At trial in February 2000, both defendants admitted to the burglary but each blamed the other for the killing. Goforth claimed that Caudill attacked White with a hammer she had taken from his truck. Caudill, in turn, said Goforth killed White while she was forced to stay in another room.

Prosecutors presented evidence that both had the victim’s blood on their clothing, along with testimony from jail informants who said Caudill confessed to planning and carrying out the murder.

On February 17, 2000, the jury found both Goforth and Caudill guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, tampering with physical evidence, and second-degree arson. The same day, jurors unanimously recommended death sentences.

During sentencing on March 24, 2000, Goforth reportedly smiled as the judge imposed the sentence of death. White’s family described her as a kind, generous woman who had been murdered senselessly.

Over the years, Goforth has filed multiple appeals, all of which have been rejected. Courts at every level, including the U.S. Supreme Court, upheld his conviction and sentence.

As of 2025, Goforth remains on death row at the Kentucky State Penitentiary. No execution date has been set due to the state’s ongoing moratorium on capital punishment. If carried out, his execution would be among the rare instances in Kentucky where white defendants were executed for killing a Black victim.