Nevada Father Shoots, Kills 14-Year-Old Son Because He’s Gay

A Nevada father took the life of his 14-year-old son, reportedly during an argument about the son’s queer identity.

14-year-old Giovanni Melton was arguing with his father, 53-year-old Wendell Melton, when Wendell Melton shot his son in an apartment where the teen lived by himself, according to KSNV. Those close to Giovanni Melton say the argument was about the teen’s sexual orientation.

#RIP Giovanni pic.twitter.com/UII3d798ZT

— Antonio Castelan (@AntonioNews3LV) November 3, 2017

Sonja Jones, Giovanni Welton’s former foster mother, told KSNV that “Giovanni was abused physically and mentally and spiritually for many, many years.”

Jones told KSNV about the argument that led to the deadly shooting.

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

Jones said that she heard that Giovanni Welton’s father caught him with his boyfriend before shooting him.

“I hope they throw the book at him. I hope he never sees the light of day,” said Jones. “I hope every day when he looks in the mirror, he sees his son’s face.”