Brother Seeks Justice for Sister’s Suspicious Death

A “Survivor” finalist is on a mission to prove his late sister was murdered, not a victim of suicide as initially reported. Joe Hunter, a contestant on the reality show, is still grappling with the death of his sister Joanna, who was found hanging in her bedroom closet in Vacaville, California, on October 6, 2011.

Joanna’s husband, Mark Lewis, a pastor at The Fellowship Baptist Church, called 911 after finding her body, but Joe and his mother, Patricia, believe Lewis was involved in her death. They point to a history of domestic abuse, including multiple restraining orders and a conviction for domestic violence against Lewis.

Domestic Violence and Murder

The investigation into Joanna’s death found no signs of struggle, but her family claims that Lewis had a history of controlling and violent behavior. Patricia Hunter says her daughter tried to leave Lewis multiple times, but always returned to him. A note found at the scene, which Lewis claimed was a suicide note, read “take care of the dogs,” but Patricia believes it was a message from Joanna to Lewis, indicating she was leaving him.

Joe Hunter, a firefighter, was devastated by his sister’s death and immediately suspected Lewis. He and his mother have been seeking justice for years, but the case was initially closed as a suicide. Now, Joe is using his platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and to prove that his sister’s death was not a suicide.

The Solano County Sheriff’s report and 911 recordings reveal a complex and disturbing situation. Lewis was briefly questioned by police, but his statement raised more questions than answers. He claimed his wife was not depressed and had no history of mental illness, but the family knows a different story.

Seeking Justice and Raising Awareness

Joe Hunter’s mission to prove his sister’s murder has sparked a renewed interest in the case. The family hopes that by sharing their story, they can help others who may be experiencing domestic violence. Joe’s appearance on “Survivor” has given him a platform to raise awareness about the issue and to seek justice for his sister.

The case highlights the need for greater awareness and support for victims of domestic violence. As Joe Hunter continues to seek justice for his sister, his story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse and the importance of supporting those who are affected by it.