In a heartbreaking and violent case out of New Jersey, a 55-year-old man has been indicted for allegedly beating his lifelong friend to death during a confrontation involving their teenage children.
Eric Hannah now faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree aggravated manslaughter, after the death of Louis “Gus” Serbeck, 54, in April this year.
A Fight That Turned Fatal
The events leading to Serbeck’s death started with a dispute between the families. According to prosecutors, the two families were close for years, and their teenage children had been in a romantic relationship.
On April 19, Serbeck’s daughter alleged that Hannah’s 17-year-old son, identified only as J.H., had assaulted her while she was at the Hannah family home.
The next day, on April 20, Serbeck and his daughter went to the Hannah residence to confront them about the alleged assault. When they arrived, Serbeck’s daughter began recording the incident on her mobile phone.
Cellphone Footage Shows Shocking Violence
During a court hearing in May, Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Cathryn Wilson revealed details from the video:
J.H. is seen punching Serbeck almost immediately at the door.
He then allegedly grabbed a bat and continued attacking Serbeck.
Serbeck reportedly tried to fight back, but J.H. kept hitting him.
Serbeck’s daughter claimed that Eric Hannah joined the attack with a large flashlight, striking Serbeck in the head.
Although the flashlight attack wasn’t caught on video, police said Serbeck had a noticeable head injury that matched the shape of the flashlight.
Daughter Also Attacked
Prosecutors also alleged that J.H. struck Serbeck’s daughter during the confrontation. The situation became even more dangerous as the family tried to leave:
J.H. allegedly began hitting Serbeck’s car with a hammer.
Serbeck then told his daughter he was having trouble breathing.
He collapsed shortly after and was pronounced dead en route to the hospital.
Conflicting Stories in Court
Eric Hannah’s defense lawyer, William Popjoy, has denied his client’s involvement in the attack. He told the court that Hannah actually tried to calm things down and never physically struck Serbeck. This contradicts the statement made by Serbeck’s daughter and the physical evidence noted by investigators.
Indictment and Charges
A grand jury has now indicted Eric Hannah on multiple charges:
First-degree aggravated manslaughter
Second-degree conspiracy to commit aggravated assault
Second-degree aggravated assault
Third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
Fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon
He remains in custody at Cumberland County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court for his post-indictment arraignment on September 8.
Teen Facing Possible Adult Charges
J.H., who is currently held in a juvenile facility, has been charged with:
Homicide
Aggravated assault
Weapons offenses
Assaulting Serbeck’s daughter
Prosecutors are still deciding whether to charge J.H. as an adult, which could significantly increase the severity of potential penalties.
What started as a disagreement between two teenagers ended in the tragic and violent death of a longtime friend and father. This case has left a community in shock and two families shattered.
With the legal process now moving forward, all eyes are on the courts as they seek justice for Louis “Gus” Serbeck and determine the fate of both Eric Hannah and his teenage son.
