The tragic incident in Pennsylvania involving 76-year-old Roger Hanks resulted in the deaths of his wife, Judith Hanks, and his daughter, Emily Hanks, after an argument that escalated while he was cleaning his gun. Roger Hanks was taken into custody by the police after the bodies of his wife and daughter were found in their East Marlborough Township home. The Chester County District Attorney’s office described the situation as a senseless act of violence that stemmed from a basic dispute between family members.
According to charging documents, Roger Hanks had been cleaning his 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun at home when the argument began with his wife. During the altercation, he allegedly threatened his wife and pointed the gun at her, stating that he would harm her if she did not stop bothering him. The gun accidentally went off, fatally injuring his wife in the chest. Upon witnessing her mother’s death, Emily Hanks became enraged, and Roger Hanks then shot her as she confronted him.
Roger Hanks reportedly admitted to a neighbor that he had killed his family, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges of two counts of first-degree murder. Despite attempts by medics to save his wife and daughter, both women were pronounced dead at the scene. Roger Hanks allegedly boasted to the police about his marksmanship skills, claiming to be the best shooter and participating in shooting competitions. The District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe expressed disbelief at the violent actions of Roger Hanks, maintaining that such behavior is incomprehensible.
Roger Hanks is currently held without bail at Chester County Prison, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024. If convicted of the two counts of first-degree murder, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. While capital punishment is legal in Pennsylvania, the state has not executed anyone since 1999. The tragic incident involving the Hanks family is a sobering reminder of the devastation that can result from the escalation of disputes within families and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts.