Roger Hanks, a resident of East Marlborough Township, has been arrested for the murder of his wife, Judith Hanks, 75, and daughter, Emily Hanks, 37, in a tragic incident that unfolded on Thursday night. The accused killer was found by police at his home, where the bodies of his wife and daughter were discovered with gunshot wounds.
According to statements from the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Roger Hanks is alleged to have wantonly shot and killed his family following a basic dispute that escalated into a deadly confrontation. District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe described the incident as a senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of two innocent lives.
Reports indicate that the fatal altercation began when Roger Hanks was cleaning his Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol at home and became embroiled in an argument with his wife. Charging documents revealed that during the heated exchange, Hanks threatened his wife, stating that he would harm her if she continued speaking. Tragically, the altercation took a fatal turn when Hanks’s gun discharged, fatally wounding his wife.
In a harrowing turn of events, Emily Hanks, witnessing her mother’s death, reportedly confronted her father in a bid to protect her. However, she was met with further violence as Roger Hanks allegedly shot her once in the chest, resulting in her tragic demise.
Roger Hanks now faces serious criminal charges for the senseless killings of his wife and daughter. The community is left shocked and saddened by the loss of two lives in such a tragic and avoidable circumstance. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover the full extent of what transpired.