14 year old Giovanni Melton was killed by his father Wendell Melton for being gay. Giovanni was found by Henderson Police on Thursday, he lived in the apartment alone. Giovanni's former foster mother, Sonja Jones said that Wendell hated that his son was gay and abused Giovanni for years.
"Giovanni was abused physically and mentally and spiritually for many, many years, he hated the fact that his son was gay, I'm sure that inside of his mind, he would rather have a dead son than a gay son"
Melton previously had an argument with a relative about Giovanni's sexuality, adding to his motive. Allegedly Wendell found Giovanni with his boyfriend and pulled a gun out on him. Jones says she hopes Melton suffers in jail.
"I hope they throw the book at him. I hope he never sees the light of day, I hope every day when he looks in the mirror, he sees his son's face."
Giovanni attended Coronado High School and his classmate/friend, Bailey Schultz, says Giovanni had a lot to live for. Giovanni was known as an "energetic" teen who made everyone smile with his presence.
We send our condolences to the Melton family.
