EAST MARLBOROUGH, Pennsylvania – A tragic incident unfolded in an upscale neighborhood in East Marlborough, Pennsylvania, where Roger Lee Hanks, a 76-year-old man with a deep-rooted history with firearms, allegedly shot and killed his wife and daughter in their family home. Hanks, a former Air Force veteran, had a background in gunsmithing, owned multiple firearms, and had even crafted his own ammunition. He served two tours in Vietnam before transitioning to work as an engineer and eventually becoming a school teacher.
According to state police accounts, Hanks claimed that a heated argument with his wife, Judith Hanks, escalated to a fatal point when his gun accidentally discharged. Despite warning his wife with threats, Hanks stated that he was unaware the gun was loaded. The situation took a more tragic turn when his daughter, Emily Hanks, intervened and met a similar fate after an intense confrontation with her father.
Following the incident, Hanks was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, along with additional charges for discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and weapon possession. He is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 8, with the possibility of a life sentence in state prison if convicted of first-degree murder. District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe expressed shock at the senseless violence that unfolded within the family home, praising the swift response of the Pennsylvania State Police in apprehending Hanks.
The tragic event, eerily occurring on the anniversary of a previous double homicide in the township, sheds light on the prevalence and potential consequences of domestic disputes escalating to fatal levels. Law enforcement officials, including Trooper John Pisker and Brian McNally, responded promptly to the distress call from a concerned neighbor, uncovering a grim scene within the Hanks’ residence.
As investigations unfold and legal proceedings progress, authorities remain diligent in unraveling the circumstances leading to the devastating loss of Judith and Emily Hanks. The community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic tensions before they escalate to irreversible outcomes.
Anyone with pertinent information related to the case is urged to contact the state police, underscoring the collaborative efforts essential in shedding light on the events that transpired within the once tranquil neighborhood of East Marlborough. The tragic events serve as a somber reminder of the complexities and implications of unresolved disputes within the confines of a family home.