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Father Shoots And Kills 14-Year-Old: "He Would Rather Have A Dead Son Than A Gay Son"

"Giovanni was abused physically and mentally and spiritually for many, many years."

A Nevada teen was shot and killed by his father because the boy was gay, claims people close to the family.

Wendell Melton of Henderson was arrested for the murder of his 14-year-old son, Giovanni, on Thursday. The 53-year-old former United Airlines pilot reportedly confronted Giovanni in an apartment where the teen was staying by himself.

Wendell Melton/Henderson PD

Wendell allegedly threatened his son before, including pulling a gun on on Giovanni after catching him with his boyfriend.

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"Giovanni was abused physically and mentally and spiritually for many, many years," Sonja Jones, formerly Giovanni's foster mom, told NBC News 3. "He hated the fact that his son was gay. I'm sure that inside of his mind, he would rather have a dead son than a gay son."

"I hope they throw the book at him. I hope he never sees the light of day," she added. "I hope every day when he looks in the mirror, he sees his son's face."

A student at Coronado High School in Henderson, Giovanni was described as energetic and friendly.

"It’s just sad. He was young and he had a lot to live for," classmate Bailey Schultz told News 3.

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