NV - Giovanni Melton, 14, killed by father because he was gay, Henderson, 2 Nov. 2017

[kaen]

Father Kills 14 Year-Old Son: 'He Would Rather Have a Dead Son Than a Gay Son
http://www.newsweek.com/father-kills-14-year-old-son-he-would-rather-have-dead-son-gay-son-703282

Sonya Jones, Giovanni's former foster mother said "other family members told her the argument that led to Giovanni's death was over Giovanni’s sexual orientation. She said Wendell had threatened Giovanni before.

"He hated the fact that his son was gay," Jones said. "I'm sure that inside of his mind, he would rather have a dead son than a gay son."

 

[kaen]

I haven't seen a thread for this young man yet. If there is one, I will alert the mods to delete or combine.

 

[iliketotalk15]

So sad. =(

Dad is claiming self-defense and that they were arguing about the son skipping school.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime...police-accuse-father-of-fatally-shooting-son/

 

[Poppyflower]

Oh no, no, no, no, no NOOOOOOO.

 

[kaen]

http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/3677...rgument-before-henderson-teens-shooting-death

 

[katydid23]

This is just heartbreaking. This so-called 'Dad' should be locked up, and the key thrown away....:jail:

 

[kaen]

I can't imagine that I would ever think it made sense to pay for an apartment for my 14 year old and let him live on his own. This poor kid seems to have had it rough anyway but to die because your parent can't support your lifestyle is grotesque.

 

[LaborDayRN]

"Giovanni was abused physically and mentally and spiritually for many, many years," Jones told News 3 Las Vegas.

Jones said other family members told her the argument that led to Giovanni's death was over Giovanni’s sexual orientation. She said Wendell had threatened Giovanni before.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/father-k...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

[LaborDayRN]

"He hated the fact that his son was gay," Jones said. "I'm sure that inside of his mind, he would rather have a dead son than a gay son."

The Henderson Police Department said Wendell was arrested at the scene on felony charges of open murder, child abuse, firearms possession and other various charges. He was "booked into the Henderson Detention Center."

Giovanni is remembered as an energetic friend who “brought smiles to everyone he met.”

Coronado High School senior Bailey Schultz, who went to school with Melton, told the local NBC News station that “he was young and he had a lot to live for.”

https://www.yahoo.com/news/father-k...l&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

[LaborDayRN]

Rest in peace Giovanni. I'm so very sorry this happened to you. :rose:

 

[cvaldez1975]

foster mother? why give him back?

Father Kills 14 Year-Old Son: 'He Would Rather Have a Dead Son Than a Gay Son
http://www.newsweek.com/father-kills-14-year-old-son-he-would-rather-have-dead-son-gay-son-703282

Sonya Jones, Giovanni's former foster mother said "other family members told her the argument that led to Giovanni's death was over Giovanni’s sexual orientation. She said Wendell had threatened Giovanni before.

"He hated the fact that his son was gay," Jones said. "I'm sure that inside of his mind, he would rather have a dead son than a gay son."

 

[cvaldez1975]

what a cluster... this poor kid :*(

 

[rsd1200]

So sad. =(

Dad is claiming self-defense and that they were arguing about the son skipping school.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime...police-accuse-father-of-fatally-shooting-son/

Giovanni Melton had just turned 14 when he started living on his own. His father moved him into a Henderson apartment, a decision he later told police was necessary because his son didn’t get along with his new wife.

Dad will go away. Felon with a handgun? Kills his unarmed, barely 14 y/o, son? Who he booted out of the home to live alone?! Hopefully he'll go away for a loooooong time, as in, forever.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Wendell Melton is heading back into a Clark County courtroom on Wednesday to see if his case is ready for trial.

He's been on house arrest since last year.

Henderson man accused of killing son heads back to court

 

[kaen]

Justice for Giovanni! I hope this man is ready for trial because this young man deserves to rest in peace while his father rots in prison.

 

[Filly]

His father moved him into a Henderson apartment, a decision he later told police was necessary because his son didn’t get along with his new wife.

Maybe the new wife didn't get along with this young man? How about he got her the apartment?

Then the guy is on house arrest while a 14 year old is shot down dead. Possibly for being gay?

Hope he flippin gets the book tossed at him and meets a few gay inmates.

 

[Filly]

There is a Giovanni Melton Foundation on FB

Sorry I can't link, but it seems to be doing alot of good work on his memory. Also his birthday is coming up. It appears his mom is running the FB. Probably the woman who spoke out as either foster mom or adoptive mom.

From what I can see the "father" is still waiting for trial. Really recommend to check out the Foundation if you have Facebook.

 

[Catmommy]

"Pa said there must be a mistake
How can my son not be straight
After all I've said and done for him"

*from "The Killing of Georgie" by Rod Stewart

 

[Backstroke10]

Omg this breaks my heart. I can’t say on here what I think should happen to this man. He doesn’t deserve the title of dad. He’s a murderer and that’s it. MOO

 

[borndem]

This is just heartbreaking. This so-called 'Dad' should be locked up, and the key thrown away....:jail:

I'm so angry, I can hardly type here, but this is no surprise, even now in 2021. I'm sure I'll be crying about it before many more posts on this thread.

Fourteen years old. Fourteen years old. Fourteen years old.
Just beginning to enter that stage of growing-up when your sexual preference can no longer be denied to oneself and when many parents probably see it more clearly, too.

I just don't know what to say, except that what happened to that young man was cruel, wrong, and so misunderstood by the man who allegedly shot his own flesh and blood for something that was as much a part of Giovanni as was his eye-color. Bless his little heart, and may he now rest in peace, acceptance and love.
Just dammit.

Anyway, I checked on hate crime law in NV. Here's a short reference:
----------------------------
Nevada hate crimes are when people harm others because of their race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Felonies and gross misdemeanors committed as hate crimes carry an extra 1 to 20 years in prison. And misdemeanors committed as hate crimes get prosecuted as gross misdemeanors, carrying double maximum penalties.
---------------------------
Source:
Hate Crimes in Nevada - enhanced penalties for prejudice