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

[borndem]

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.

Apparently Wendell also said he put his son in the apt. because Giovanni and Wendell's new wife did not get along. I wonder if the step-mother not liking her step-son was true...
And to throw your son and/or daughter over for a new spouse... SMH. I've seen this happen before, and I understand somewhat about the new spouse vs. step-child thing, and seems to me that would be a known deal before new-spouse moves into the home. I'm so fortunate that I haven't had to face something like that.

This makes me sad. We'll never know what Giovanni might have done in his lifetime to make the world a better place. We'll never know.

Looking for justice now, folks.

 

[Backstroke10]

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

BBM Well said and so true! MOO

 

[Backstroke10]

Apparently Wendell also said he put his son in the apt. because Giovanni and Wendell's new wife did not get along. I wonder if the step-mother not liking her step-son was true...
And to throw your son and/or daughter over for a new spouse... SMH. I've seen this happen before, and I understand somewhat about the new spouse vs. step-child thing, and seems to me that would be a known deal before new-spouse moves into the home. I'm so fortunate that I haven't had to face something like that.

This makes me sad. We'll never know what Giovanni might have done in his lifetime to make the world a better place. We'll never know.

Looking for justice now, folks.

BBM I think he put Giovanni in the other apartment for one reason, because he was gay. This man makes me sick. I don’t think he wanted to be anywhere near his son.
MOO​

 

[borndem]

Agreed @Backstroke10 -- Seems to me, he probably couldn't stand to be in the same room with his young son, and it sounds like he didn't even even want to see him at all. That poor young man.

 

[kaen]

The murderer got life in prison. Unfortunately, his crime didn't garner too much attention.



Veronica Melton said she has been living a nightmare for five years, since her ex-husband shot and killed their 14-year-old son.

“This monster should be made an example of, and I ask that you send a message to Nevada that we don’t go around shooting our children and get away with it,” the woman said Wednesday during a sentencing hearing for her ex-husband, 58-year-old Wendell Melton.

In May, a jury found Wendell Melton guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon; child abuse, neglect or endangerment with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm; and child abuse, neglect or endangerment in the death of his son, Giovanni Melton.

Man sentenced to life in prison for killing 14-year-old son

A man convicted of fatally shooting his teenage son was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

www.reviewjournal.com

 

[Catmommy]

May he find even more justice in prison.

 

[DS2021]

In May, a jury found Wendell Melton guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon; child abuse, neglect or endangerment with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm; and child abuse, neglect or endangerment in the death of his son, Giovanni Melton.

No hate crime charges?

 

[DS2021]

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.

Home

giovannimelton.org

 

[kaen]

No hate crime charges?

No, it is rather amazing isn't it. This poor kid was struggling and had no one to turn to. One of the people who was supposed to love him unconditionally completely betrayed him. His mom seems to be trying to keep his name and spirit alive.