A California woman who died protecting her friend from a rapist has been awarded a Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, reports Rafu Shimpo.
Fusako Petrus struck the man with a long stick after he had struck a friend in the face, held her down and then groped and attempted to rape her.
The man turned his attention on Petrus and beat her to death.
“It just shows how unique she was. Especially at her age, to get this,” family friend Vicki Butler said to KCRA TV. “She is the oldest person to ever receive this award. So, it just shows at 86 you think you can make a difference and take action is very impressive and we’re very proud about that.”
Petrus routinely went on walks with her friend on almost a daily basis. It was during one of those walks on a track in North Highlands near Sacramento that the attack occurred.
“I’m so proud of her and I hope I’m as tough as she is when I’m that age,” said Twyla Rowe, who now cares for Petrus’ estate along with Butler.
Neven Glenn Butler has been arrested in Petrus’s death. He faces charges of murder, sexual assault and elder abuse.
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