BRIDGETON, N.J. — A 55-year-old Millville man and a 17-year-old juvenile have been charged with homicide in the death of a local man following a violent confrontation at a Leamings Mill Road residence, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae announced Friday.
Eric D. Hannah and the juvenile, identified only as J.H., face homicide and weapons charges in connection with the April 21 death of Louis “Gus” Serbeck. Prosecutors say J.H. has also been charged with aggravated assault of Serbeck’s daughter, who was injured during the incident. The charges stem from a fatal fight that occurred on April 20, following an earlier altercation.
Key Points
- Eric D. Hannah, 55, and a 17-year-old juvenile charged with homicide in Millville.
- Louis Serbeck died after being struck with a metal flashlight during a fight.
- Victim’s daughter, previously assaulted, was also injured in the fatal incident.
Altercation followed earlier alleged assault
The conflict began on April 19, when J.H. allegedly assaulted Serbeck’s daughter at the Leamings Mill residence. The next day, Serbeck and his daughter returned to the residence to speak with Eric Hannah about the previous day’s incident.
During that visit, J.H. and Serbeck confronted each other at the front door, which escalated into a physical fight. Prosecutors say J.H. struck Serbeck multiple times in the head with a metal baseball bat, causing fatal injuries. Eric Hannah, who was also present, allegedly struck Serbeck in the back of the head with a metal flashlight.
Serbeck’s daughter was also struck during the fight, authorities said.
Serbeck airlifted, later pronounced dead
Emergency responders from the Vineland Police Department and EMS arrived on the scene shortly after the assault. Serbeck was airlifted from Vineland to Cooper University Hospital but died from his injuries while en route.
Eric Hannah is currently lodged in Cumberland County Jail and is scheduled for a detention hearing on Friday, April 25. J.H. is in custody at a juvenile detention facility. Both individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Christopher Fixler of the Vineland Police Department at 856-691-4111.
Millville man, teen charged in fatal beating with bat and flashlight, authorities say.
