Vineland, NJ — A grand jury has indicted 55-year-old Eric D. Hannah of Vineland on multiple charges connected to the death of Louis “Gus” Serbeck, 54, of Millville, following a violent Easter Sunday altercation earlier this year.
Authorities say both Hannah and his 17-year-old son were involved in the deadly fight that left Serbeck fatally injured after he confronted the family about an alleged assault on his daughter.
Charges Reduced by Grand Jury
Hannah was originally charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, along with assault and weapons offenses. However, the grand jury declined to indict on the murder counts.
Instead, Hannah now faces:
- 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
Hannah’s post-indictment arraignment is scheduled for September 8, while he remains jailed pending trial. His attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A Confrontation Between Former Friends
The April 20 brawl unfolded at Hannah’s residence in Vineland after Serbeck’s daughter accused Hannah’s son of assaulting her the day before.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Cathryn Wilson, Serbeck brought his daughter to confront the Hannah family. Despite Serbeck and Hannah being longtime friends, the situation quickly spiraled into violence.
“The juvenile defendant came out and immediately threw punches at the victim,” Wilson told the court.
Prosecutors said the teen then grabbed a bat and struck Serbeck repeatedly, an attack captured in a cellphone video taken by Serbeck’s daughter.
Brutal Assault Caught on Video
Investigators say the video showed Serbeck restraining the boy on the ground as the teen continued swinging the bat. Prosecutors allege Hannah joined in with a large metal flashlight, though the footage does not clearly show him striking Serbeck.
Still, prosecutors argue that evidence ties Hannah to the fatal blows:
“A noticeable mark found on Serbeck’s head matches the imprint from the flashlight,” Wilson said.
The same incident also left Serbeck’s daughter injured. Prosecutors allege the teen struck her in the head before attacking Serbeck’s car with a hammer as the family tried to leave.
Moments later, Serbeck collapsed, telling his daughter he couldn’t breathe. He died while being transported to a hospital.
Remembering Louis “Gus” Serbeck
Serbeck’s family described him as a larger-than-life figure who died protecting the people he loved most. His obituary paid tribute to his legacy:
“In his final act, Serbeck laid his life down to do what he does best, to protect his family; to protect his baby girl.”
The case has drawn public attention not only for its brutality but also because it involved two fathers who were once close friends. Coverage from NJ.com highlighted the tragic nature of the confrontation.
Teen Also Facing Homicide Charges
Hannah’s son has been charged with homicide, weapons offenses, and aggravated assault for allegedly striking Serbeck’s daughter. Prosecutors are still deciding whether to try him as an adult.
Court documents reveal the elder Hannah was already on pre-trial release in an unrelated case involving methamphetamine and ghost gun charges. Authorities said weapons recovered from his home included two shotguns, a rifle, and a large-capacity ammunition magazine.
He has pleaded not guilty in that case, but now faces a second legal battle that could result in decades behind bars.
Next Steps
As Hannah awaits his court appearance, prosecutors continue to weigh the charges against his son. The case underscores the devastating consequences of violence stemming from disputes between teenagers — and the ripple effects it can have on families.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case and the indictment? Share your views in the comments below.
