Unionville, Pennsylvania – A tragic incident unfolded in a quiet cul-de-sac in Unionville, Pennsylvania, when Roger Lee Hanks, a 76-year-old man with a background in firearms, allegedly shot and killed his wife and daughter in their East Marlborough home. Hanks, who served in the Air Force and had a career as an engineer and school teacher, now faces charges of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, and possession of a weapon.
According to state police reports, Hanks claimed that the shootings occurred accidentally when his gun discharged as he pointed it at his wife and daughter during an argument. The sequence of events leading to the tragedy began with an argument between Hanks and his wife, Judith Hanks, culminating in a fatal confrontation that also took the life of their daughter, Emily Hanks.
After being apprehended by state troopers following a call to the authorities by a concerned neighbor, Hanks was taken into custody and later arraigned on charges related to the killings. District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe expressed disbelief at the senseless nature of the incident, highlighting the swift response of law enforcement in arresting Hanks.
The case has drawn comparisons to another double homicide that occurred in East Marlborough two years prior, underscoring the tragic recurrence of violence within the community. Detectives have been assigned to investigate the case, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in shedding light on the events leading up to the fatal shootings.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, authorities are working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to the untimely deaths of Judith and Emily Hanks. The upcoming preliminary hearing on May 8 is poised to provide more clarity on the case, as Hanks potentially faces a life sentence in state prison if found guilty of first-degree murder.
In the wake of this tragedy, a somber reflection permeates the once tranquil neighborhood, prompting discussions on gun violence, domestic disputes, and the impact of such incidents on a close-knit community. The echoes of grief and shock reverberate throughout Unionville, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from moments of heated confrontation and irreversible actions.