Roger Hanks, a 76-year-old man from Pennsylvania, is facing charges for the alleged murder of his wife and daughter. The tragedy took place in their home during a heated argument on April 25, 2024, as Hanks was cleaning his firearm, according to local authorities.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office accuses Hanks of shooting his 75-year-old wife, Judith Hanks, and their 37-year-old daughter, Emily Hanks, with a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun.
The shooting took place at the family’s home in East Marlborough Township, Pennsylvania, approximately a mile from Unionville High School.
A distress call made around 6 p.m. led local authorities to the scene, where they found both victims dead from gunshot wounds.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe commented on the incident, stating, “It is unfathomable that anyone would react this way to a basic dispute.”
The police reports indicate that the dispute started while Roger Hanks was cleaning his firearm. He reportedly threatened his wife, allegedly saying, “If you keep up, this thing is going to go off on you.” He then said if she didn’t shut up and leave him alone he would “plug her”. When the situation escalated, he aimed his gun at her, hitting her in the chest. Emily Hanks was also shot in the chest as she approached her father after witnessing her mother’s shooting.
After the shooting, Hanks reportedly confessed to a neighbor that he had killed his family members. The neighbor immediately called the police.
Police arrested Hanks without further incident and charged him with two counts of first-degree murder, among other offenses.
According to police records, Hanks admitted to drinking beer and whiskey earlier that day. He also described himself as “the best of the best” when discussing his marksmanship skills.
Hanks is currently being held at Chester County Prison without bail. A preliminary hearing is set for May 8, 2024. If convicted of the murders, Hanks could face a life sentence without parole or the death penalty.
Although Pennsylvania law allows for the death penalty, the state has not carried out an execution since 1999.
