A Pennsylvania man has been charged with murdering his wife and daughter at their home during a violent fight.
According to a press release from the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police charged Roger Hanks, 76, of Kennett Square, Pa., with two counts of first-degree murder and other related charges in the April 25 deaths of 75-year-old Judith Hanks and 37-year-old Emily Hanks.
According to the announcement, state troopers responded to the Hanks’ house in East Marlborough Township after receiving allegations of a shooting. At before 6:15 p.m., officers discovered both women unresponsive in the house with fatal gunshot wounds, as well as Roger in the garage, according to a state trooper report.
“Emergency life-saving measures were administered, but sadly they were unsuccessful,” according to the press release.
According to charging records acquired by local outlets WPVI, FOX43, and the New York Daily News, Roger told police that he was arguing with his wife while cleaning his Smith & Wesson 2.0 9mm handgun, telling her that “if you keep up this thing is going to go off on you.”
According to WPVI, he then pointed a gun at Judith and threatened to “plug” her if she didn’t quiet talking and leave him alone. Roger told authorities that shortly after the rifle went off, his daughter Emily “went into a rage” and “came at him” with “vengeance.” He then aimed the rifle at Emily, and it fired again, according to reports.
According to FOX43, Roger was the one who called police, claiming that he had “gone crazy” and shot the women. Roger also claimed that he thought his gun wasn’t loaded.
According to records acquired by WPVI, Roger said police he pointed the gun at the women’s chests and that he is the “best of the best” at shooting.
WPVI claimed that police discovered a gun and two shot casings at the scene, citing papers.
“[The] Defendant senselessly shot and killed his family because of a basic dispute,” Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe stated in a press statement. “It seems inconceivable that someone would behave in this manner. I’d want to thank the Pennsylvania State Police for responding immediately and arresting the defendant after being dispatched to the location.”
Roger was arraigned on April 26 and is being held in Chester County Prison without bond, according to the announcement. He is due back in court on May 8.