UPDATE: A heart-wrenching story unfolds as Joe Hunter, a finalist on the reality show “Survivor,” battles for justice following the tragic death of his sister, Joanna Hunter, in Vacaville, California, back on October 6, 2011. Joe’s emotional journey was spotlighted on CBS while he competed in Fiji, revealing his enduring grief and urgent mission to prove that Joanna was murdered, not a victim of suicide as initially ruled.
In a powerful moment captured on “Survivor,” Joe expressed to Joanna, “I am so sorry for the things I said,” and “I never got the chance to say ‘I love you.’” His message resonates deeply, reflecting a family’s anguish over unresolved questions surrounding Joanna’s death at just 36 years old.
The timeline of events reveals chilling details. A 911 call was made at 9:25 p.m., reporting a death at the home of her husband, Mark Lewis, who had previously faced accusations of domestic violence. When authorities arrived 14 minutes later, they found Joanna hanging inside a closet, a bathrobe sash around her neck, and a note asking Mark to care for their dogs.
Despite Mark’s claims that Joanna had no history of mental illness and did not appear depressed, suspicions lingered. Joe and their mother, Patricia Hunter, have long believed that Mark is responsible for Joanna’s death. They recall Joanna’s long history of abuse at the hands of Mark, including multiple restraining orders and documented incidents of violence.
Patricia Hunter revealed, “From this moment, when we couldn’t get anyone to listen to us, we are going to work to get justice for Joanna.” This relentless pursuit has gained momentum with the introduction of Joanna’s Law, which mandates that domestic violence histories be considered in suspicious death investigations. The law passed unanimously in California, effective January 1, 2025, marking a significant step forward for victims and their families.
In a shocking turn of events, Joe learned about Mark’s arrest in 2014 for violence against another woman, fueling their demand for a reevaluation of Joanna’s case. Current developments have drawn attention to the inadequacies in the original investigation, with calls for a deeper probe into the evidence that was overlooked.
Dr. Bill Smock, a forensic expert, now asserts that Joanna was indeed murdered, contradicting earlier findings of suicide. He discovered a marine rope at the scene, which he believes was the actual murder weapon, suggesting that the scene was staged to appear as a suicide.
The complexities of this case have sparked outrage, particularly concerning how domestic violence histories were disregarded during the initial investigation. As the Hunters continue their advocacy, they are joined by experts emphasizing the need for a thorough review of Joanna’s case, highlighting the importance of recognizing red flags in domestic violence situations.
Joe Hunter’s emotional tribute to Joanna on “Survivor” has resonated with viewers, amplifying their fight for justice. “She fought from the beginning to her last breath. So no matter how hard it gets, never give up. That’s her legacy,” he shared.
As the investigation into Joanna’s death remains closed, the California Department of Justice has agreed to review the previous rulings. The family remains hopeful that new evidence and public pressure will lead to justice for Joanna Hunter.
For those impacted by domestic violence, resources are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit thehotline.org.
Stay tuned for updates as this compelling case continues to develop, highlighting the urgent need for justice and the recognition of domestic violence as a critical issue.