Roger Hanks, a 76-year-old Pennsylvania man, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing his wife Judith, 75, and daughter Emily, 37, in their East Marlborough Township home. Hanks told police that he got into an argument with his wife while cleaning his handgun and threatened to shoot her if she kept talking. He claimed that the gun accidentally went off when he pointed it at her chest, resulting in her death. When his daughter intervened, he shot her as well, claiming self-defense. Hanks bragged to police about his marksmanship skills and stated that he frequently participates in shooting competitions.
Following the shooting, Hanks called a friend and informed them that his wife had gone crazy, and he had shot her. The friend alerted the police, who arrived at the scene to find the mother and daughter lying unresponsive in the kitchen. Despite efforts to save them, both women were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Hanks was arrested and is currently being held without bail at the Chester County Prison. The District Attorney expressed disbelief at Hanks’ actions, stating that it is unfathomable for someone to react violently to a basic dispute within the family.
Court documents reviewed by media outlets revealed chilling details of the incident, with Hanks reportedly telling his wife to stop talking and threatening to shoot her if she did not. He claimed that the gun accidentally fired when he pointed it at her chest, causing her death. Hanks then recounted how his daughter became enraged and approached him, leading to him shooting her as well. He attempted to justify his actions as self-defense, even though both victims were unarmed and posed no threat to him. The authorities found Hanks’ gun and spent shell casings at the scene, corroborating his account of the events.
Hanks described himself to the police as the “best of the best” in terms of his firearms skills, suggesting that his proficiency with guns played a role in the tragic outcome. He admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day, raising concerns about his judgement and behavior at the time of the shooting. The quick response of the Pennsylvania State Police led to his arrest shortly after the incident, preventing any further harm. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with Hanks’ escalating anger towards his wife and daughter culminating in a deadly confrontation that shocked the community.
District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe condemned Hanks’ actions as senseless and extreme, emphasizing the gravity of his decision to use lethal force in a family dispute. The tragic loss of Judith and Emily Hanks serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and gun violence. The authorities’ swift action in apprehending Hanks highlights the importance of responsive law enforcement in preventing further harm and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The impact of this case reverberates throughout the community, prompting reflection on the factors that contribute to such tragic incidents and the need for effective measures to address and prevent similar acts of violence in the future.
