Joe Hunter Vows Justice for Sister, Seeks Truth Behind Her Death
Joe Hunter is on a quest for justice for his sister, Joanna Hunter, whose mysterious death in October 2011 has left unanswered questions. Joe’s emotional tribute during his participation on “Survivor” highlighted his ongoing struggle with the tragedy. The circumstances surrounding Joanna’s death, found hanging in her closet, have raised suspicions of foul play, particularly towards her husband, Mark Lewis.
Timeline of Events
Joanna’s death occurred on October 6, 2011, in Vacaville, California. A 911 call made at 9:25 PM described the scene, revealing that her husband, Mark Lewis, found her unresponsive. The police arrived by 9:39 PM, but initial investigations labeled her death a suicide, despite no signs of a struggle.
Key Facts
- Victim: Joanna Hunter
- Date of Death: October 6, 2011
- Location: Vacaville, California
- Initial Investigation: No signs of struggle found
- Cause of Death: Initially ruled as suicide by hanging
The Investigation
Mark Lewis reported that Joanna did not appear to be depressed and had no history of mental illness. He was briefly questioned but was released without charges. A note found at the scene read, “Take care of the dogs,” leading some to question the suicide ruling.
History of Abuse
Joanna’s family revealed a history of domestic violence within her marriage, with multiple restraining orders filed against Mark Lewis. Joanna had previously documented incidents of abuse and had expressed her struggles to her family, yet she returned to Lewis several times after attempting to leave.
Despite these red flags, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office closed the case, asserting that the autopsy findings supported suicide. The lack of thorough investigation raised concerns among Joanna’s family and advocates for domestic violence victims.
Calls for Justice
Joe Hunter and their mother, Patricia Hunter, continued seeking justice, believing that the circumstances of Joanna’s death warranted further investigation given the history of domestic violence. After Mark Lewis was later charged with stalking and arson against another woman, the family renewed their push for the case to be reopened.
Legislative Changes
In response to Joanna’s case and similar domestic violence situations, California passed Senate Bill 989, known as Joanna’s Law, which aims to ensure law enforcement investigates incidents of suspected domestic violence more thoroughly. This law mandates that any death scene with a history of domestic violence should be treated with suspicion and investigated as a potential homicide.
The Ongoing Fight for Truth
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office has since reopened the investigation into Joanna’s death, yet the family still struggles for accountability. Last seen hanging by a sash and a braided nylon rope, new findings suggest the need for further forensic analysis, as the presence of another individual cannot be ruled out.
Joe Hunter’s appearance on “Survivor” not only honors his sister’s memory but also raises awareness about domestic violence. With ongoing advocacy, both he and Patricia Hunter aim to ensure Joanna’s story serves as a light for others in similar situations.
Joe’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for his sister continues, as he believes that understanding the truth about Joanna’s death could pave the way for other victims. “Joanna was the light,” he insists, emphasizing the importance of her legacy in fighting against domestic violence.
