Natalie Morales Explores the Significant Story of Survivor Joe Hunter
Natalie Morales has been a news journalist for over 25 years, and she considers the story of Survivor alum Joe Hunter and his sister, Joanna, to be among the most significant true crime narratives she has ever reported on.
The tale of Joe, 46, and Joanna is set to feature in an upcoming episode of 48 Hours, titled “Joe Hunter’s Mission,” with Morales, 53, serving as the lead correspondent.
“This story is truly emotional,” she shared with Us Weekly exclusively. “I believe it’s one of the most vital true crime stories I’ve ever covered.”
Joanna passed away at the age of 36 in her California home in 2011, with authorities labeling it a suicide. On the surface, there seemed to be justification for this ruling. Her husband, Mark Lewis, stated he discovered her body without any signs of a struggle, accompanied by evidence interpreted as indications of suicide.
However, Joe and his family have always questioned that narrative. Lewis had a history of domestic violence, and inconsistencies soon arose casting doubt on the official investigation’s conclusions. Although the case has been revisited multiple times, Joanna’s cause of death remains officially classified as suicide. Lewis, who denies any wrongdoing, has never faced charges related to her death.
“[Joe] expressed feelings of failure towards his sister, saying he was [on Survivor] to represent her voice,” Morales, 53, mentioned. “He was competing to honor her memory and to raise awareness about domestic violence survivors and their struggles.”
The Hunter family has not only raised awareness but has also taken significant steps to enact change, another aspect that inspires Morales’ connection to this narrative. Joe and his mother, Patricia, have been instrumental in the passing of Joanna’s Law in California, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024.
This legislation mandates law enforcement to consider ten criteria in any suspicious death case involving a history of domestic violence before concluding the investigation. These criteria include instances such as one partner wanting to end the relationship, the deceased being discovered by their partner, and that partner being the last person to see them alive.
Lifetime’s docuseries The Life and Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson has unveiled new insights into Nicole’s life before examining her tumultuous relationship with O.J. Simpson. The first two installments of the four-part series, which debuted on Saturday, June 1, featured interviews with Nicole’s notable friends such as Kris Jenner and Faye Resnick, along with family members.
Joanna’s death met all ten criteria but was never examined as a potential homicide.
“The responding officer documented the scene, took photos, and collected what was believed to be the [suicide] note,” explained Morales. “However, DNA evidence was not collected at the time, and the scene was not thoroughly documented.”
This left behind critical evidence that could clarify the circumstances surrounding Joanna’s death, including a rope that one expert featured in 48 Hours suggests might have been employed as a murder weapon, which is now lost.
“I had never encountered the term hidden homicides until investigating this case,” Morales stated. “The more I delved into [this case], the more I realized the need for greater awareness regarding situations I’ve reported in the past and whether they were properly investigated or handled.”
Greg Doherty/Getty Images. Filming the new Lifetime movie Gaslit By My Husband was both a challenging and therapeutic experience for Jana Kramer. “I expressed to the head of Lifetime my desire to focus on domestic abuse issues and create awareness,” Kramer, 40, revealed on Monday.
“Joe Hunter’s Mission” not only examines the details of the case but also recounts Joanna’s troubled relationship with Lewis, where she alleged repeated physical abuse. Lewis had previously pleaded guilty to felony spousal abuse more than a decade prior. Joanna attempted to leave the relationship multiple times but found herself continually pulled back.
Lewis has not publicly responded to Joanna’s earlier abuse allegations and declined to participate in the 48 Hours episode.
“Many individuals endure domestic violence in silence,” Morales remarked. “People are often too frightened or hesitant to share their experiences, worried about judgment or what may come next.”
“Joe Hunter’s Mission” premieres on CBS Saturday, December 13 at 10 p.m. ET and will also stream on Paramount+.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
