What is Jonathan Schmitz Doing Now? Exploring The Best Journey to Excellence
Introduction
In 1995, Jonathan Schmitz appeared on The Jenny Jones Show, where he was confronted with a crush that turned out to be a prank. This infamous incident led Schmitz to murder Scott Amedore in a fit of rage. The jaw-dropping crime and ensuing trial captivated the nation and signaled the beginning of the end for trash TV talk shows. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained infamy after murdering his friend Scott Amedure in 1995, following an embarrassing revelation on the Jenny Jones talk show. Schmitz served over 10 years in prison and was released in 2017. He has kept a low profile since his release. While details of his current activities are unclear, Schmitz appears to be living a quiet life avoiding further public scrutiny.
After serving over 20 years in prison, Schmitz was released in 2017 and has kept a low profile since. This article will explore Schmitz’s troubled background, the events leading up to the murder, the fallout after the tragedy, and what the notorious guest has been doing since regaining freedom. Schmitz’s release after more than two decades behind bars presents many questions about justice, forgiveness, and whether people can truly change. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained notoriety in 1995 for killing his friend Scott Amedure and confessing to the degrading incident on the Jenny Jones talk show. In 2017, Schmitz was released from prison after more than a decade of imprisonment. Ever after his release, he has kept a low profile. Schmitz’s current activities are unknown, however he appears to be living a quiet life away from the limelight.
Early Life and Troubled Past and What is Jonathan Schmitz Doing Now?
Jonathan Schmitz was born in 1973 and adopted at age three months by teacher Mary Schmitz and her husband. According to those who knew him as a child, Schmitz had a reputation for lying and manipulating from a young age. As a student, he was bullied for his effeminate mannerisms and lack of athleticism. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained infamy after murdering his friend Scott Amedure in 1995, following an embarrassing revelation on the Jenny Jones talk show. Schmitz served over 10 years in prison and was released in 2017. He has kept a low profile since his release. While details of his current activities are unclear, Schmitz appears to be living a quiet life avoiding further public scrutiny.
After high school, Schmitz held a string of jobs, including working at a comic book store and as a telemarketer. However, he struggled to form lasting relationships and fit in socially. In his early 20s, he developed a drug habit and had multiple run-ins with the law for minor offenses.
In 1994, Schmitz secretly performed in drag shows under the name “Ava Adore.” Acquaintances described his drag persona as “seductive and daring.” Schmitz’s desire to explore his sexuality conflicted with his difficulty reconciling it with his conservative upbringing. His complex internal struggles would soon play out horrifically on national television. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained notoriety in 1995 for killing his friend Scott Amedure and confessing to the degrading incident on the Jenny Jones talk show. In 2017, Schmitz was released from prison after more than a decade of imprisonment. Ever after his release, he has kept a low profile. Schmitz’s current activities are unknown, however he appears to be living a quiet life away from the limelight.
The Jenny Jones Show Appearance
In March 1995, Jonathan Schmitz was selected to appear on The Jenny Jones Show, whose producers were aware of Schmitz’s attraction to men. For a segment called “Secret Crushes,” associate producer Andre Van Elsen claimed a secret admirer of Schmitz would reveal their interest in person. However, the entire scenario was fabricated, setting the stage for a cruel public outing planned explicitly for shock value. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained infamy after murdering his friend Scott Amedure in 1995, following an embarrassing revelation on the Jenny Jones talk show. Schmitz served over 10 years in prison and was released in 2017. He has kept a low profile since his release. While details of his current activities are unclear, Schmitz appears to be living a quiet life avoiding further public scrutiny.
The admirer turned out to be Scott Amedure, an acquaintance of Schmitz who was also a closeted gay man. Producers encouraged Amedure to pretend he had romantic feelings for Schmitz despite no prior relationship. When the big reveal occurred, Schmitz appeared shocked and humiliated as the audience erupted in laughter.
Later, Schmitz realized the entire affair was an embarrassing prank at his expense. Furious at being duped and outed on national TV, he stewed over the incident in the following days. Schmitz purchased a shotgun at a local store before driving to Amedure’s home to confront him three days after the taping. When Amedure admitted his affection was part of the show’s deceit, Schmitz shot him twice in the chest, killing him instantly.
The Aftermath and Trial
The horrific murder less than 48 hours after The Jenny Jones Show episode aired made headlines across America. Many condemned the production’s unethical exploitation of Schmitz and manipulation of both men for sordid entertainment. The scandal catalyzed new scrutiny around trash TV and raised questions on the guilt of producers who orchestrate destructive scenarios. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained infamy after murdering his friend Scott Amedure in 1995, following an embarrassing revelation on the Jenny Jones talk show. Schmitz served over 10 years in prison and was released in 2017. He has kept a low profile since his release. While details of his current activities are unclear, Schmitz appears to be living a quiet life avoiding further public scrutiny.
Schmitz turned himself in shortly after the slaying and displayed little remorse. During a taped confession to police, he coldly recounted the killing and suggested Amedure deserved punishment for humiliating him. Schmitz’s legal team pursued an insanity plea, arguing the traumatic experience on Jenny Jones triggered a PTSD flashback from childhood bullying. However, the jury convicted Schmitz of second-degree murder in 1996 after only five hours of deliberation. He received a 25 to 50-year sentence.
Amedure’s family later sued The Jenny Jones Show and won a $25 million judgment in a wrongful death suit. The amount was reduced to around $6 million on appeal, but the case signaled waning tolerance for exploiting guests. Productions became warier by ambushing participants and inciting volatile reactions. Within a few years, most tawdry talk shows were canceled due to declining viewership and several lawsuits.
Schmitz’s Prison Years
Following his conviction, Jonathan Schmitz began serving his sentence at various facilities in Michigan. He received counseling and completed his GED along with associate and bachelor’s degrees behind bars. For much of his conviction, Schmitz avoided press and publicity. However, in 2016, he reconnected with a woman named Jeannine Shapiro, who had reached out by mail years earlier. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? After killing his friend Scott Amedure in 1995 and making the humiliating admission on the Jenny Jones talk program, Jonathan Schmitz became notorious. Schmitz was freed from jail in 2017 after serving more than ten years. Since his discharge, he has maintained a quiet profile. It’s unknown what Schmitz is doing these days, but he seems to be leading a private life away from the spotlight.
Over time, Schmitz shared details about his life, regrets, and hopes for the future with Shapiro. He claimed to be a changed man who took full responsibility for the murder. Schmitz also revealed he was no longer angry about being ambushed on television. In 2017, he came up for parole after serving 22 years in prison.
The Parole Hearing and Release
At his parole hearing in March 2017, Jonathan Schmitz apologized for his crime and said he had devoted himself to rehabilitation. “I took a life, I don’t have a right to be living right now,” he told the board. Schmitz also penned a letter of remorse to Amedure’s relatives, asking for their forgiveness. After reviewing his record of good behavior and counseling progress, the board unanimously granted parole that August.
Schmitz was released on September 18, 2017, at age 47. In accordance with his parole terms, he was ordered to avoid contact with Amedure’s family and The Jenny Jones Show producers. Schmitz moved in with a friend in the small town of Lake Orion, Michigan, to re-acclimate to normal life outside prison walls. Aside from a minor 2019 parole violation due to an unauthorized internet device, he has obeyed the conditions of release. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? After killing his friend Scott Amedure in 1995 and making the humiliating admission on the Jenny Jones talk program, Jonathan Schmitz became notorious. Schmitz was freed from jail in 2017 after serving more than ten years. Since his discharge, he has maintained a quiet profile. It’s unknown what Schmitz is doing these days, but he seems to be leading a private life away from the spotlight.
Because his crime still generated public interest, Schmitz was also barred from profiting off his story through books, media interviews, or other publicity. He adopted the new surname John Long to avoid unwanted attention. However, intense curiosity remains regarding how Schmitz has adjusted to modern society after over two decades.
Schmitz’s Life and Activities Since Prison
Since leaving prison, Jonathan Schmitz has maintained an exceedingly low profile. Other than parole check-ins, he has largely avoided public spaces and attention. However, Jeannine Shapiro has provided some insights into Schmitz’s mindset and routine over the past few years. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? After killing his friend Scott Amedure in 1995 and making the humiliating admission on the Jenny Jones talk program, Jonathan Schmitz became notorious. Schmitz was freed from jail in 2017 after serving more than ten years. Since his discharge, he has maintained a quiet profile. It’s unknown what Schmitz is doing these days, but he seems to be leading a private life away from the spotlight.
According to Shapiro, Schmitz has come to terms with his sexuality and embraced living authentically as a gay man. He has adjusted to major cultural shifts like acceptance of same-sex marriage that were unthinkable when he entered prison. Schmitz also needed help understanding new technologies like cell phones and social media.
To occupy his time, Schmitz enjoys gardening, meditation, and caring for his pet cat. He focuses on living in the moment rather than obsessing over the past or future. Schmitz also maintains correspondence with several inmates he befriended in prison. His supporters describe him as gentle, generous, and committed to leading a quiet, productive life.
Nonetheless, Schmitz must contend with the challenges of finding employment and housing, given his criminal record. He also laments missing out on so many life experiences in his prime years behind bars. But those close to Schmitz say he is resilient and determined to define himself on positive terms in the future.
Perspectives on Schmitz’s Release
The question of whether Jonathan Schmitz deserves the second chance afforded by parole elicits sharply differing perspectives. Supporters believe his prison record warrants compassion and that decades removed from the crime, the 47-year-old Schmitz is not the same troubled young man from 1995. They argue incarceration has served its purpose for rehabilitation. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? After killing his friend Scott Amedure in 1995 and making the humiliating admission on the Jenny Jones talk program, Jonathan Schmitz became notorious. Schmitz was freed from jail in 2017 after serving more than ten years. Since his discharge, he has maintained a quiet profile. It’s unknown what Schmitz is doing these days, but he seems to be leading a private life away from the spotlight.
However, Amedure’s loved ones and LGBTQ advocates argue Schmitz’s sentence was far too lenient for the brutal premeditated murder. They maintain Schmitz deserves no sympathy or premature freedom after robbing Amedure of decades of life experience. Critics also contend Schmitz’s coming to terms with sexuality in prison proves he was sufficiently self-aware to know his actions were immoral.
More broadly, the case ignites debate on whether any crime is unforgivable and if people can fundamentally evolve from their worst deeds. It also raises difficult questions about who is most harmed by excessive imprisonment. Reasonable people differ on what sentence would have provided “justice.” With Schmitz now quietly assimilating to civilian life, society is still grappling with the tragic ripples from his split-second act of violence 26 years ago.
Lessons Learned in the Decades Since
While the details remain chilling, the Jonathan Schmitz case also provides crucial lessons society has taken to heart in the ensuing decades. The exploitation of Schmitz and Amedure for vulgar entertainment rightly catalyzed the demise of trash TV that profited from creating dysfunction. Vulnerable guests are now protected, not ambushed. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained notoriety in 1995 for killing his friend Scott Amedure and confessing to the degrading incident on the Jenny Jones talk show. In 2017, Schmitz was released from prison after more than a decade of imprisonment. Ever after his release, he has kept a low profile. Schmitz’s current activities are unknown, however he appears to be living a quiet life away from the limelight.
Gay rights and public attitudes have also progressed lightyears since the mid-1990s. Same-sex marriage is legal, and LGBTQ people enjoy greater societal inclusion, even if bigotry lingers. Amedure’s murder helped expose the destructive shame once cast on being gay and the dangers of forcing people to out themselves before they are ready.
Schmitz’s story also parallels positive shifts in how society views mental health and rehabilitation. In 1995, language like PTSD was rarely invoked in court. Today, psychology is better understood, as are the roots of violence and the capacity for change. A more evolved system may have better detected Schmitz’s stability issues before they exploded.
While the horrific tragedy can never be undone, the lessons learned promote more ethical treatment of television subjects, compassion for the LGBTQ community, and recognition that even killers may not stay immutable monsters. Jonathan Schmitz’s second chance, however limited, perhaps suggests the possibility of growth and redemption.
Conclusion
Over 25 years later, the Jonathan Schmitz case remains etched in infamy for the shocking intersection of entertainment exploitation and violence. While Schmitz may fade from public consciousness, his legacy will be forever linked to Scott Amedure and to a notorious television moment that precipitated reform. what is jonathan schmitz doing now ? Jonathan Schmitz gained notoriety in 1995 for killing his friend Scott Amedure and confessing to the degrading incident on the Jenny Jones talk show. In 2017, Schmitz was released from prison after more than a decade of imprisonment. Ever after his release, he has kept a low profile. Schmitz’s current activities are unknown, however he appears to be living a quiet life away from the limelight.
Schmitz’s recent release after serving his sentence sparks clashing views on justice, rehabilitation, and whether redemption is attainable. As he quietly tries living out a reformed life, the larger questions stirred by his crime will continue to be debated. However, the lessons learned promote more responsible media practices, tolerant societal attitudes, and an evolved understanding of mental health issues.
The tragedy of March 9, 1995, forever changed numerous lives and evoked national outrage. But the culturally shifting attitudes in its wake offer hope of positivism. As Jonathan Schmitz adapts to life as a free man over a quarter-century later, perhaps the most meaningful justice comes from learning critical lessons that affirm human dignity for all.