Tragedy Strikes East Marlborough Township as Man Faces Murder Charges
A shocking domestic dispute in East Marlborough Township, Pennsylvania, has resulted in the deaths of two women and the arrest of a 76-year-old man.
Argument Erupts During Gun Cleaning
According to Chester County District Attorney’s office reports, Roger Hanks, 75, was cleaning his firearm at home on Thursday afternoon when a heated argument broke out between him and his wife, Judith Hanks, 75.
Argument Erupts During Gun Cleaning
According to Chester County District Attorney’s office reports, Roger Hanks, 75, was cleaning his firearm at home on Thursday afternoon when a heated argument broke out between him and his wife, Judith Hanks, 75.
Threats and Violence Erupt
Details from charging documents obtained by Fox43 depict a disturbing escalation. The documents allege Roger Hanks threatened his wife, stating, “If you keep up, this thing is going to go off on you.” The argument intensified, with Roger allegedly pointing the gun and threatening to “plug” his wife if she didn’t stop speaking.
Tragedy Unfolds
Tragically, the threats turned violent. The documents claim Roger’s gun discharged, fatally striking Judith in the chest. Witnessing her mother fall, their daughter, Emily Hanks, 37, reportedly became enraged. However, the situation further escalated as Roger allegedly shot Emily once in the chest as she charged at him.
Murder Charges Filed, Life Imprisonment Possible
Roger Hanks faces two counts of first-degree murder and related charges. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole. While Pennsylvania allows capital punishment, the state has not carried out an execution since 1999.
