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Jul 27, 2009 9:56 am US/Central
Father Of SMU WR Willis Fatally Shot In Dallas
DALLAS (CBS 11 News/AP) ―
Family members say the father of SMU record-setting quarterback Justin Willis was fatally shot while in Dallas.
Samuel Willis of Denton was the victim of a home invasion murder late Friday at a residence he was visiting. He was 46.
Sandra Willis told a North Texas newspaper that her husband was a psychiatric technician and counseled adolescents dealing with substance abuse problems.
Dallas police say there was an exchange of gunfire between the homeowner and the assailants.
Samuel Willis was shot and killed as at least three people, maybe more, forced their way into the home.
On Saturday, police told CBS 11 News that they don't yet know what brought Willis to the home, but he was shot and killed as the gunmen broke through a garage door in an apparent robbery.
"Wrong place, wrong time," said Sandra Willis.
"I heard some noises, I heard some yelling," one neighbor said.
The worried neighbors who spoke with CBS 11 News didn't want to be identified, but said they want the gunmen caught. A neighbor saw the mortally wounded Willis staggering as he tried to flee the shooting scene. "Didn't look real," he said. "Almost like a movie."
Willis died after being rushed to a local hospital.
Dallas police spokesman Sr. Cpl. Kevin Janse explained that as Willis was attacked, the homeowner fled out the front of the house. "He immediately jumped out the front window to get away from these attackers. He had a weapon with him as well so he returned fire trying to protect himself. Unfortunately, we don't know if he hit any of the suspects because they fled before officers could get there."
Police have little information on the gunmen and are looking to witnesses for help. "Hopefully someone saw something or one of these suspects' brags about what took place and we can find these guys," said Sr. Cpl. Janse.
The house is situated across from a school. Willis' family says it belongs to a cousin. Police found quantity of narcotics, 2 pounds of marijuana in the home, but they aren't sure if that's why the gunmen targeted the residence. Family members are adamant that Willis is not connected to the drugs.
Neighbors want the area's normal peace restored. "It's very troubling, because it's a pretty nice area. You have teenage issues, you know, but most people in the community are pretty settled."
Justin Willis was the 2006 Conference USA freshman of the year and set numerous school passing records in 2007. Willis, entering his senior season, is now a wide receiver for the Mustangs. His 57 touchdowns are the most in the program's history.
"My dad knew everybody," said Justin Willis. "He knew the highest person, he knew the lowest person. He could hang out with no problem. So, it is what it is. He was there with my cousin, and something happened and he got shot."
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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