Bio

Jonathan Schmitz was born on July 18, 1970. He grew up in Michigan. Information about his early life is limited. However, it is known that he had a history of mental illness. This aspect of his background would later influence significant events in his life.

In the early 1990s, Schmitz appeared on a television show called The Jenny Jones Show. On March 6, 1995, he was part of an episode that focused on secret crushes. During this taping, Scott Amedure, who was a gay acquaintance, revealed that he had an attraction to Schmitz. At the time, Schmitz identified himself as heterosexual. He reacted nervously to Amedure's revelation.

Schmitz's participation in the show was meant to be light-hearted and entertaining. However, his feelings during the taping showed discomfort and embarrassment. After the show, there were interactions between Schmitz and Amedure that would set the stage for tragic events.

Following the taping, three days later, Schmitz and Amedure would meet again. This meeting would ultimately lead to a violent outcome, marking a significant turning point in Schmitz's life that would overshadow his early years. Schmitz's life took a drastic turn after these events, leading him into a legal battle and a long prison sentence.

Murder Story

Jonathan Schmitz killed Scott Amedure on March 9, 1995. This happened three days after Amedure revealed on the show "The Jenny Jones Show" that he had a crush on Schmitz. Schmitz had been unaware of Amedure's feelings before the show.

After the taping, Amedure left a note for Schmitz. The note was suggestive, and this made Schmitz uncomfortable. He withdrew money from a bank and bought a shotgun. Schmitz then went to Amedure's mobile home. He confronted Amedure about the note. After their conversation, he left the trailer, returned to his car, and got the shotgun. Schmitz went back inside and shot Amedure twice in the chest, killing him.

After the murder, Schmitz left the home and called 911. He confessed to killing Amedure. Schmitz was arrested on the same day. He was charged with second-degree murder and felony firearms.

In 1996, Schmitz was found guilty and sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison. He appealed his conviction, but it was overturned on appeal. In a retrial, he was again found guilty and the original sentence was reinstated. He is now imprisoned in Michigan.