In the early morning hours of November 8, 2014, a tragic event unfolded in a Waterford, Michigan, apartment that would claim the life of 22-year-old Jacob Jake Hershberger. Hershberger was at his girlfriend's residence on Villa Drive when three men broke in, intending to commit a robbery. A struggle ensued, and while Hershberger was able to overpower one of the intruders, he was fatally shot once in the chest by a second assailant.
His girlfriend, who was present during the home invasion, was not physically harmed.
The investigation into the senseless killing moved swiftly, and within a day, three suspects were in custody. Blake Marcum, 25, of Waterford, was identified as the alleged gunman. He was arrested along with 22-year-old Donald Davis of Pontiac and 20-year-old Terrance Bunting of Rochester. The motive for the home invasion was believed to be robbery, with the perpetrators reportedly seeking money or drugs. However, Hershberger's family maintained that he was not involved in any drug activity.
All three men were charged with felony murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Bunting and Marcum faced additional weapons charges. The legal process concluded with all three being convicted for their roles in the death of Jacob Hershberger. In November 2015, Blake Marcum and Donald Davis were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Terrence Bunting Jr. also received a mandatory life sentence for his involvement in the murder.
The profound loss was deeply felt by Hershberger's family, who remembered him as a beloved father to his young daughter, Olivia. His parents, Michael Hershberger and Tonya Cach, spoke of their son's infectious smile and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. They described him as a hero who died defending his girlfriend, a sentiment echoed by the community that mourned the loss of a young life cut short by a violent act.
