Police in the USA have released CCTV footage of a vehicle they believe was involved in the tragic shooting of Aussie father-of-two Breton Estorffe. The 29-year-old, originally from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, was killed during a home invasion on Wednesday.
Estorffe, who moved to the US in 2011 with dreams of pursuing a career in the NFL, was asleep at home with his wife and two young children, aged one and three, when the two men broke into his home. In a bid to protect his family, the Australian father confronted the intruders, which is when they fired shots at him.
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office have now issued a public plea for information, along with video footage and images of a car they think was involved in the homicide. The car is a light-coloured, four door sedan with a sunroof. There is also a cash reward of up to US$25,000 (AU$36,500) on offer.
“We will stop at nothing,” Sheriff Troy Nehls said, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. “We will investigate, we will investigate, we will investigate until we bring these individuals to justice. They’re going to pay for this, you came into the wrong county.”
Police have also released details of the two suspects, saying: “The first suspect is a male, approximately 5-feet, 11-inches tall, dark skinned, and was wearing a dark colored hoodie. The second suspect is a male, approximately 6-feet tall, slender build, dark skinned, and had short hair.”
Following the news, Brenton’s brother Cobin Estorffe took to social media to pay tribute to his brother, writing: “Still not real brother. Life will never ever be the same without you. Hands down you are my hero the way you stood up for your family. Can only dream to be a little bit like you. Thanks for the amazing times we had together. Miss you and love you so much Brenton.”
A GoFundMe page was also launched in a bid to raise money to support Brenton’s widow Angeleanna and the couple’s two children, reportedly aged one and three, and pay for Brenton’s funeral. So far well-wishers have donated more than $27,000, with many expressing their sadness over the news.
“As you all know the Estorffe’s suffered a devastating loss on Wednesday morning,” organiser Linzie Snow wrote on the crowdfunding site. “They have been deprived of a great father & loving husband. No amount of preparation could have prepared them for this adversity.
“We would like to thank those of you, who have been calling, texting, and asking about the Estorffe family. At this time Angeleanna has been very distraught and trying to keep a brave face for their children. A lot of you have been asking if there’s anything you can do, or how you can help. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated, and would go towards funeral expenses and the Estorffe family.
“We would like to thank you in advance, on behalf of Mrs. Estorffe and their children for your prayers, kind words, and your contributions at this tragic unforeseen time.”