Jeff Lovell became my best friend when I was in the second grade. We were together through thick and thin through high school and beyond.
Jeff was at home Saturday, July 16, when a group of people approached his house and someone began banging on his door. He tried to communicate with the individuals, but failed, and the beating on his door continued.
Fearing for the safety of his wife and children, Jeff retrieved his home defense handgun. And when the individuals began to break glass in their attempt to come in his house, Jeff fired a single shot toward the door.
The shot passed through the door and struck 15-year old Dylan Francisco, who subsequently died of the wound.
Jeff is now in the hands of the legal system, which is starting a long process of adjudicating this tragic circumstance. I have not been allowed to talk to Jeff yet, but I'm sure that he's crushed by the knowledge that his action to defend his family ended another's life. Jeff deeply believes every life is a precious gift, and would have gladly accepted any other way for this situation to have turned out.
Jeff's wife of 16 years and their two girls are without their primary income for what may be some time. Would you please consider donating something to help the Lovell family cover groceries and other home expenses as they work through this terrible time? My oldest friend will be grateful. And so will I.
And please pray for both the Lovells and Dylan's family as well - both families are hurting terribly right now.
Thank you,
Mike Hammond