Cumberland County Father Indicted in Case of Millville Dad’s Fatal Confrontation
The Cumberland County grand jury indicted a Vineland man for the violent altercation that killed a Millville father over a teenage disagreement.
It was unexpected and since the men involved were lifelong friends that the occurrence on Easter Sunday, April 20, garnered community attention. After Louis “Gus” Serbeck, 54, brought his daughter to 55-year-old Eric D. Hannah’s home, authorities say the fight began. Serbeck’s daughter said Hannah’s teenage son abused her the day before, and the father intended to confront the family.
Prosecutors said violence began immediately. Investigators said Hannah’s 17-year-old son started punching Serbeck when he arrived, starting a fight. The adolescent then used a bat to hit Serbeck repeatedly while they battled on the ground, as seen on cellphone video. Serbeck’s daughter recorded sections of the incident, showing the child attacking with the bat while Serbeck tried to stop him, prosecutors claimed.
The violence continued. The prosecution claims Eric Hannah, armed with a large metal flashlight, was involved. Video evidence does not show him striking Serbeck, but investigators found a flashlight-shaped head injury. Hannah hit her father many times, according to witnesses, including Serbeck’s daughter.
The altercation escalated, and prosecutors said Hannah’s adolescent son hit Serbeck’s daughter in the head. According to reports, the youngster smashed Serbeck’s car with a hammer as the family left. Soon after, Serbeck fainted and informed his daughter he couldn’t breathe. He died on the way to the hospital, leaving sad family and friends who recalled him as devoted and fearless. His obituary depicted his final moments as a final sacrifice to safeguard his family, especially his daughter.
Hannah initially faced first-degree murder and conspiracy charges. After reviewing, the grand jury declined to indict him for murder. Instead, he faces first-degree aggravated manslaughter, conspiracy to conduct aggravated assault, aggravated assault, and various weapons counts. At a May hearing, Hannah’s attorney denied that his client actively participated in the assault, saying she just came outside to calm emotions.
Hannah is in custody and will be arraigned in early September. His son faces homicide, firearms, and aggravated assault charges for allegedly hitting Serbeck’s daughter. Prosecutors are considering trying the teen as an adult.
Eric Hannah was charged with other crimes before the Easter Sunday confrontation, according to court documents. He was suspected of possessing methamphetamine, ghost weapons, and large-capacity ammunition magazines in another case. His home was searched and two shotguns and a rifle were found.
Given that Serbeck and Hannah were close friends for years before the tragedy, Millville is shaken. For the Serbeck family, the circumstances of their death intensify their grief. Community people mourn the horrific death of a guy known for his loyalty, courage, and family commitment.
Both families face uncertain fates throughout judicial proceedings. The Serbecks fight for justice after an irreparable loss. The Hannahs are fighting in court for accountability over a tragic confrontation.
Sources
NJ.com
Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office
Court Records
