John Terry “Scooter” Villneff, a 62-year-old male, died a hero on August 8, 2012, in Detroit, Michigan, while protecting his family during a home invasion. That Wednesday night, intruders broke into his daughter's home, which was next door to his own on Rutland Street. Hearing the commotion, the Vietnam War veteran, who had earned two Purple Hearts, rushed over to help.
The thieves, who were after gaming consoles, began attacking his 16-year-old grandson.
When his 12-year-old granddaughter used an iPad to take pictures of the attackers, they turned their attention to her. Villneff stepped between the girl and the assailants and was shot in the back. He was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His selfless act was credited with saving his granddaughter's life.
In a painful twist, the family knew the individuals responsible for the violent intrusion. Villneff's daughter stated that she had previously helped the young men, even providing them with food and odd jobs. The photographs taken by the brave 12-year-old girl were turned over to the police, aiding in their investigation.
Shortly after the murder, Detroit police announced that a suspect had been arrested. One of the men convicted in Villneff’s murder was Felando Hunter. He was already facing legal troubles for other crimes and was ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in the death of John Villneff.
