Friday, August 10 2012 6:17 AM EDT2012-08-10 10:17:34 GMT
A 62-year-old Detroit grandfather has been shot and killed while protecting his granddaughter from a group of assailants on the city's west side, FOX 2's Amy Andrews reports.
A 62-year-old Detroit grandfather was fatally shot while protecting his granddaughter from a group of men who broke into a home on the city's west side, FOX 2's Amy Andrews reports.
DETROIT (WJBK) -
A suspect has been arrested in an attack at a Detroit home that left a teenager injured and the boy's grandfather dead.
Detroit police say a "male suspect" was in custody following the attack on Wednesday. Chief Ralph Godbee said Thursday during a news conference the case is still an open investigation and he expects more arrests to be made. He thanked the public for providing tips in such a rapid response.
Michael Villneff says a group of men beat the 16-year-old boy as they robbed the home, then shot and killed John Villneff as he tried to protect another grandchild from the intruders.
"I already know they got the right guy," said John's daughter Melissa.
Villneff was a decorated Vietnam veteran. "I miss him so much," said Melissa. "I catch myself crying, but I know I have to be strong."
Family members say a fund will soon be set up to help pay for Villneff's funeral expenses. Once we receive the information, it will be posted here on myFOXDetroit.com.
Meanwhile, Villneff's grandson was released from the hospital Thursday night. He plans to rejoin his football teammates at Dearborn Heights Robichaud High School on Friday. "He feels that's the way it should be," said Melissa.
The viewing for John Villneff is Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Swanson Funeral Home in Detroit. The funeral is 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. Those interested in donating money to help cover funeral expenses can click here.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:25:11 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:58:06 GMT
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
A photo of John Villneff, 62, provided by his family.
