Fund Set Up For Family Of Tulsa Father Killed In Home Invasion

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma – Friends and family of a Tulsa man killed in a home invasion last weekend have set up a fund in his name to help his family.

Jerry VanEllen was shot to death in his driveway after two intruders broke into his home in the 5800 block of South 87th East Avenue Saturday morning, December 18, 2010.

Tulsa Police said the suspects, identified as 17-year-old Tyler Hamlett and 19-year-old Michael Morris Taylor, held VanEllen's family at gunpoint and robbed them. Officers said VanEllen was shot when he followed the men outside.

Police said the suspects even slit the throat of the family dog.

Officers said Taylor and Hamlett were trying to break into a drug dealer's house, but got the wrong address. Both are facing first degree murder charges.

12/20/2010 Related Story: Tulsa Police: Deadly Home Invasion Was A Case Of Mistaken Identity

VanEllen, who served in the Army National Guard's Aviation Unit, leaves behind a wife and two children, a one year old son and a baby girl.

Donations to help the family can be made to the Jerry VanEllen Memorial Fund at:

Midfirst Bank

321 South Boston Avenue Suite 100

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103-9934.