Foster father reflects on life after surviving deadly Washtenaw County home invasion

On January 1, 2025, Jeffrey Bernhard's life was irrevocably changed when his home in Northfield Township was invaded by Shuvonne Vinson and two accomplices, resulting in the deaths of his wife, Jennifer, and father-in-law, Steve Smith. Vinson, allegedly motivated by a custody dispute over her biological child in Bernhard's care, orchestrated the attack, which included theft and violence, leaving Bernhard with significant injuries and permanent scars. Despite the trauma, Bernhard expresses gratitude for his survival and the community support, focusing on his role as a single father and leaning on his faith to cope with the loss and rebuild his life. Shuvonne Vinson now faces trial, with her legal team questioning the circumstances of her child's foster placement.