Roger Hanks, a 76-year-old man from Pennsylvania, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and related offenses in the deaths of his wife, Judith Hanks, 75, and daughter, Emily Hanks, 37, in their home in East Marlborough Township. Hanks told police that he had gotten into an argument with his wife while cleaning his handgun and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t stop talking. He claims that the gun accidentally discharged when he pointed it at her chest. When his daughter intervened, Hanks shot her as well, claiming that she came at him in a rage.
Hanks boasted to police about his marksmanship abilities, stating that he frequently competes in shooting competitions and is the “best of the best” when it comes to firearms. He admitted to drinking two German beers and an Irish whiskey earlier in the day. After shooting his wife and daughter, he called a friend and told them what had happened, prompting the friend to contact the police. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the mother and daughter unresponsive in the kitchen. They were pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after.
Court documents reveal that Hanks is being held without bail at Chester County Prison. District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe condemned the senseless act, stating that Hanks had killed his family over a basic dispute, which he found unfathomable. He thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for their quick response in arresting Hanks at the scene. The incident has shocked the community and left many wondering what could drive a man to commit such a horrific crime against his own family.
The details of the altercation between Hanks and his wife provide a glimpse into the escalating tension that led to the tragic outcome. Hanks was upset that his wife criticized him for not doing anything and just sitting in his chair. He was also displeased with the food she had prepared for him. This dissatisfaction eventually led to a heated argument during which Hanks threatened to shoot his wife if she didn’t stop talking. The confrontation escalated when his daughter intervened, resulting in both women being shot and killed by Hanks.
The fact that Hanks was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the shooting raises questions about the role substance abuse may have played in the incident. His decision to consume alcohol prior to the altercation may have impaired his judgment and contributed to the escalation of violence. It also raises concerns about responsible gun ownership and the potential dangers of mixing firearms with alcohol. The tragic outcome of this incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from domestic disputes and the importance of seeking help and intervention before things escalate to violence.
