A 34-year-old man from Pennsylvania has been arrested and charged with the tragic murders of his in-laws, Robert and Gretchen Ackerman, just hours after his wife served him with divorce papers and locked him out of their home. Xiaomin Fei is facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide and burglary, following the fatal shooting of the elderly couple in what authorities believe was an act of revenge fueled by anger and frustration over his marital problems.
The Tragic Incident
The deadly events unfolded on the evening of June 3, 2025, when Palmer Township Police responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in a 55-and-older community. According to police, Fei was found standing in the doorway of the home, holding a handgun. After failing to comply with initial verbal commands, Fei eventually put the gun down and was taken into custody without further resistance. Officers then entered the home, where they discovered Robert and Gretchen Ackerman suffering from gunshot wounds. Robert was pronounced dead at the scene, while Gretchen died on the way to the hospital.
Fei’s wife and their two small children were in the house at the time of the murders but were unharmed. The children, both under five years old, were found in a separate room. In a chilling 911 call, the dispatcher reportedly heard screaming, children crying, and a tense verbal exchange between two men, one of whom yelled, “Think about what you’re doing,” to which Fei allegedly responded, “I’m not thinking.”
The Motive Behind the Murders
The details of the case revealed by police and court documents suggest that Fei’s anger over his divorce was the primary motive for the killings. Fei admitted to being upset after his wife served him with divorce papers earlier that morning. Later that day, he was locked out of the house by his wife and in-laws, who also refused to let him see his children. Fei’s frustration grew as he felt isolated and rejected, which ultimately led him to purchase a handgun on the same day.
After obtaining the weapon, Fei reportedly went back to his home, broke a window on the front door with a hammer, and entered the residence. He then shot both Robert and Gretchen Ackerman in the head, all while seeing his wife and children before carrying out the attack. Fei confessed to the police, acknowledging his anger and his actions.
Legal Repercussions and Arrest
Fei has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide, recklessly endangering another person, and possessing an instrument of crime, along with one count of burglary. He is currently being held without bond at Northampton County Prison. A court appearance is scheduled for June 18, where Fei will face further legal proceedings for his actions.
This case highlights the devastating impact of unresolved anger and marital disputes, especially when emotions escalate to violence. The tragic deaths of Robert and Gretchen Ackerman, who were simply caught in the middle of a family conflict, serve as a grim reminder of the destructive power of unchecked emotions and the need for conflict resolution in such tense situations. As Fei faces the legal consequences of his actions, the community and his family will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the emotional aftermath of this senseless tragedy.
