A Cumberland County grand jury has indicted a 55-year-old New Jersey man on multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter, after prosecutors say he and his teenage son brutally beat a family friend to death earlier this year.
Eric Hannah, of Cumberland County, was originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the April killing of 54-year-old Louis “Gus” Serbeck. His 17-year-old son, identified only as J.H. because of his age, is also facing charges stemming from the violent confrontation.
According to prosecutors, the deadly altercation was sparked after Serbeck’s daughter accused J.H. of assault while visiting the Hannah home on April 19. The following day, Serbeck and his daughter went to confront the Hannahs about the allegation, setting off a chain of events that quickly escalated into tragedy.
During a May court hearing, Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Cathryn Wilson explained that the teens had been in “some kind of relationship” before the incident. She told the court, “The juvenile defendant came out and immediately threw punches at the victim.”
Wilson further stated that J.H. then “retrieved some kind of bat, which is seen on the cellphone video that was taken by the defendant’s daughter. And he was attacking the victim with the bat.” The video also reportedly showed Serbeck trying to fight back while being struck.
At one point, prosecutors allege, Hannah joined the fight armed with a large flashlight. Although his alleged actions were not captured on video, investigators said Serbeck suffered a “noticeable mark” consistent with being struck by the flashlight.
Prosecutors also claim J.H. struck Serbeck’s daughter during the chaotic encounter. As the father and daughter tried to leave, J.H. allegedly attacked Serbeck’s car with a hammer. Soon after, Serbeck reportedly complained of difficulty breathing and collapsed. He later died en route to the hospital.
Hannah’s defense attorney, William Popjoy, has argued that his client never struck Serbeck and was instead attempting to calm the situation. He has disputed claims made by Serbeck’s daughter that Hannah joined the attack.
The Charges and Upcoming Court Dates
- Hannah has been indicted on several counts, including:
- First-degree aggravated manslaughter
- Second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault
- Second-degree aggravated assault
- Third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon
He remains in custody at the Cumberland County Jail and is scheduled for a post-indictment arraignment on September 8.
J.H., meanwhile, is being held in a juvenile detention facility on charges including homicide, weapons offenses, and aggravated assault related to the alleged attack on Serbeck’s daughter. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether he will be tried as an adult.
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