East Marlborough, Pennsylvania – Two individuals tragically lost their lives in a shooting incident on Friday, with an elderly man now in custody, according to authorities. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed, and law enforcement officials are currently conducting an investigation into the matter, as per a press release issued early Friday morning by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Following the incident, court records revealed that Roger Hanks, a retired school teacher and former DuPont employee, was formally charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses during an arraignment by Magisterial District Judge Albert Iacocca of Kennett Square on Friday afternoon. He is currently being held without bail at Chester County Prison, with no criminal court complaint readily available. Notably, the double shooting occurred exactly two years after another tragic double homicide in the typically quiet township where Longwood Gardens is situated.
According to State Trooper John Pisker, troopers from the Avondale barracks responded to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 200 block of Wiltshire Drive around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, they discovered the suspect, a 76-year-old man, in the garage of the home located approximately a mile from Unionville High School, and promptly took him into custody.
Inside the residence, authorities found two victims who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. Pisker noted that the investigation is still ongoing, with further details expected to be released as they become available. At the moment, there is no immediate indication that the public is at risk.
As the investigation continues, additional information will be provided to the public. Anyone with pertinent information about the incident is encouraged to reach out to staff writer Michael P. Rellahan at 610-696-1544.