EAST MARLBOROUGH, Pennsylvania – Two individuals have tragically lost their lives in a shooting incident, leading to the arrest of an elderly man in the township, as reported by police on Friday. The names of the deceased have not yet been disclosed, and authorities are actively investigating the case, Pennsylvania State Police stated in a news release issued early Friday morning.
Roger Hanks, a retired school teacher and former DuPont employee, faced arraignment by Magisterial District Judge Albert Iacocca of Kennett Square on charges of first-degree murder and related offenses, according to court records. Held without bail, Hanks was transferred to Chester County Prison, with a criminal court complaint not immediately available.
The double shooting occurred on the two-year anniversary of another tragic incident in the normally serene township, where Longwood Gardens is situated. State Trooper John Pisker detailed that troopers from the Avondale barracks responded to a shooting report around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday at an address on Wiltshire Drive.
Upon arrival, authorities found a 76-year-old suspect in the home’s garage, located about a mile from Unionville High School, and took him into custody. Inside the residence were two victims who succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Pisker emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with more information forthcoming as it is uncovered. At present, there is no immediate indication of a threat to public safety, reassuring residents of the township that they are not in harm’s way. Further updates will be provided as details are released.
Any individual with relevant information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact reporter Michael P. Rellahan at 610-696-1544.