On today's episode of 90s Crime Talk with Stef, we discuss the murder of Scott Amedure, or as it is more commonly referred to as the Jenny Jones murder. Scott Amedure was a charismatic and openly gay man who appeared on "The Jenny Jones Show" in March 1995, hoping to confess his secret crush on his straight acquaintance, Jonathan Schmitz. Little did Scott know that this revelation would set in motion a sequence of events that would end in a shocking act of violence. Just three days after appearing on the show, Jonathan confronted Scott at his home, armed with a shotgun. In a horrific act of violence, Jonathan ended Scott's life, forever altering the course of both their destinies. The trial that followed would captivate the nation, as the defense argued the concept of "gay panic," a controversial defense strategy at the time, while others placed a huge chunk of the blame on the Jenny Jones show. Join us as we discuss the events leading up to Scott Amedure's untimely death, shedding light on the consequences of sensationalistic television and the devastating aftermath of unrequited love.
Trigger warnings for discussions of violence, murder, and emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised.
References:
https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2004/03/21/plenty-of-hugs-but-no-money/
https://allthatsinteresting.com/scott-amedure#:~:text=Born%20in%20Pittsburgh%2C%20Pennsylvania%2C%20Scott,and%20Patricia%20divorced%20shortly%20thereafter.
https://medium.com/crimebeat/murdered-for-being-a-secret-admirer-the-story-of-scott-amedure-f9c09419b638
https://people.com/crime/jenny-jones-show-murderer-jonathan-schmitz-parole/
https://www.voxbliss.com/jonathan-schmitz-now/
Netflix, documentary, Trial by Media, Episode 1, The Talk Show Murder
