Chester County man sentenced to life in prison for murdering wife and daughter.
In a gripping courtroom session held on Monday, emotions ran high as friends and family of Judy and Emily Hanks addressed a Chester County judge, reflecting on the profound loss they experienced due to a tragic domestic incident. Roger Hanks, the perpetrator and father of Emily, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his actions that resulted in the deaths of both women last year, an event described by witnesses as a “cowardly and inhumane act.”
During the proceedings, Jessica Niewold, a longtime friend of Emily, articulated the shock and disbelief surrounding the case, expressing their collective struggle to comprehend the motivations behind such an atrocious crime. Roger Hanks, 77, pulled the trigger on both his wife, Judy, aged 75, and their daughter, Emily, 37, beginning with a heated argument that escalated into violence after he was allegedly angered by his wife’s criticism of his inaction while she and their daughter were unwell.
Prosecutors disclosed that on April 25, 2023, Roger Hanks, while intoxicated, shot twice—first targeting Judy in the neck and then Emily in the chest as she rushed to confront him in disbelief. Following these grave actions, Hanks pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree murder. This admission of guilt ultimately mandated a life sentence under Pennsylvania law. Remarkably, he entered this plea just a day before what would have been Emily’s 38th birthday.
The courtroom atmosphere was palpable as Judge Thomas McCabe reminded attendees that the Hanks women would be remembered not simply as victims but as vibrant individuals who brought light and hope to those around them. Corinne Sweeney, a neighbor, shared her heartfelt memories, underscoring the close bond between her family and the Hanks family, and she lamented the loss of Judy’s caring nature.
In a testament to the community’s grief, relatives conveyed the void left by Emily’s untimely death, with one friend articulating the ongoing emptiness felt in their lives. Hanks, now confined to a wheelchair and hard of hearing, refrained from making a statement in court, maintaining silence through the emotional recollections of the lives he altered irreparably.
The case sheds light on the serious consequences of domestic violence and substance abuse, as it was noted that Hanks had a blood alcohol level of .327 at the time of the incident—a figure more than three times the legal driving limit. This tragic event serves not only as a reminder of the potential devastation stemming from familial discord but also the enduring impact such loss can have on families and communities.
Reflecting on the aftermath of this tragedy, it is evident that the complexity of human relationships and the struggles within them remain central themes in understanding the dynamics leading to such profound heartache. The impact of this event will resonate within the community for years to come.
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