Jonathan Schmitz

Jonathan Schmitz who was 24 at the time, worked at a local restaurant named Fox and Hounds. He met Scott through a mutual friend, Donna, who lived in the same apartment complex as one of Scott’s brothers.

The Ill-fated Episode on The Jenny Jones Show

"The Jenny Jones Show," initially aspiring to emulate Oprah's success, took a different turn to gain viewership. By 1993, the show had adopted a more confrontational format, including secret crush reveals.

Scott, a fan of the show, agreed to be a guest in the "Same-Sex Secret Crushes" episode. What Scott didn't know was that Jonathan had been led to believe his secret admirer could be a woman. During the episode, Scott nervously confessed his romantic feelings for Jonathan, leaving him visibly stunned. The audience, ignorant of the looming tragedy, erupted into applause.

A Turn for the Worse: The Aftermath

While the taping itself was uncomfortable for both parties, there seemed to be no immediate sign of grave danger. All parties flew home together, even sharing drinks at a bar called Brewski's. However, three days later, Jonathan found a note from Scott that made a joking reference to a broken construction light. Consumed by humiliation and rage, Jonathan purchased a shotgun. He went to Scott's home and, following a heated confrontation, shot and killed him.

The Trial and Legal Ramifications

Jonathan Schmitz was later tried for the murder of Scott Amedure. His defense team argued for temporary insanity, blaming the public humiliation on "The Jenny Jones Show" as the catalyst for his actions. Nonetheless, he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Ethical Questions and Lasting Impact

The tragic end to Scott Amedure's life led to debates surrounding the responsibilities of reality television producers. The Amedure family sued "The Jenny Jones Show," spotlighting the ethical questions raised by the "ambush television" style employed by many shows of that era.

Fred Amedure, Scott's brother, has publicly stated that Jonathan was also a victim, raising more complex questions about culpability and the potentially devastating effects of public humiliation.

Conclusion

Nearly three decades later, the tragic murder of Scott Amedure calls into question the ethics of sensationalist television and serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when personal boundaries are crossed in the search for ratings.

RIP Scott