Latest news with #CumberlandCountyProsecutor'sOffice
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
An Honor Student Died in Car Crash After Being Shot. Now, 3 Juveniles Are Charged With His Murder
A 17-year-old honor student was killed after authorities say he was shot and subsequently crashed his car. Three juveniles from Millville, N.J., were charged with homicide, conspiracy, robbery and weapons offenses in connection with the May 17 incident, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office says. Prosecutors say surveillance revealed that two of the suspects, who were not named, had an encounter with the victim, who was shot once, before returning to the home of the third suspect. "Investigators learned that one of the juveniles had been in contact with the victim prior to his death and directed the victim to meet the other two juveniles in Millville," prosecutors say. Though the prosecutor's office did not name the victim, he was identified as Lucas DeGeorge in a GoFundMe started by his family."On May 17, 2025 our beloved son Lucas was tragically taken from us in a senseless act of gun violence," his parents wrote. "No words can truly express the pain and heartbreak our family is enduring right now." His parents say that he was a junior at Buena Regional High School, where he was an honor student. "An honor student enrolled in advanced classes, he was both intelligent and driven," his obituary reads. "He worked at ACME in Mays Landing and, in many capacities, helped his dad flip houses with the Veteran Home Project." Read the original article on People
International Business Times
01-05-2025
- International Business Times
Louis Serbeck: New Jersey Dad Beaten to Death with Baseball Bat after Confronting Teen and His Father for Assaulting His Daughter
A bodybuilding grandfather from New Jersey was beaten to death with a metal baseball bat while trying to confront a teenage boy who had allegedly assaulted his daughter, according to police. Louis "Gus" Serbeck, 54, and his 19-year-old daughter, Brooke Serbeck, showed up at the Vineland home of a 17-year-old boy on Easter Sunday to confront him and his father about an alleged assault that had taken place the previous day, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. The teen and his father, Eric Hannah—described as "lifelong" friends of the Serbeck family—met the angry bodybuilder at the door, where a physical altercation broke out, the police statement said. An Argument and a Brutal Murder Prosecutors said the teen, identified only as J.H., allegedly hit Serbeck in the head multiple times with a metal baseball bat. His father, Hannah, 55, then reportedly picked up a metal flashlight and hit Serbeck in the back of the head, according to officials. Prosecutors said Brooke saw her father being attacked by both the teen and his father, and was also allegedly "hit in the head" by the same teenager she had accused of assaulting her the day before. When police arrived at the scene, they found Serbeck in critical condition. The father of two and grandfather of two succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. "He literally laid his life down for his daughter," Serbeck's heartbroken brother, Christopher Serbeck, told 6 ABC Action News, holding back tears. The teenager and his father were arrested and charged with homicide and multiple weapons offenses. J.H. also faces an additional charge of aggravated assault for allegedly hitting Serbeck's daughter. Hannah was booked into the Cumberland County Jail, while his son was sent to a juvenile detention center. Prosecutors are still deciding whether J.H. will be tried as an adult. Serbeck's brother, Christopher, described him as a loving father remembered for his generosity and always being ready to help others. "He would take the shirt off his back and give it to you, just 'cause you needed it. You call him, he'll be there," he told 6 ABC Action News. Killed for Being a Protective Father Christopher told the outlet that the two families had been close friends for several years. "He went to school with my oldest brother. Known him our whole life," the grieving brother said. "No expectations of something like this happening at all." An online obituary describes Serbeck as a dedicated father and a "fierce protector" of his two daughters, Summer and Brooke. "Summer and Brooke brought out a tender, loving, compassionate side of Gus that many people never saw before," his obituary reads. "He was never happier than when he had one of his daughters in his arms sharing a big smiling cheek-to-cheek hug." The beloved father of two was also a proud grandfather to two young boys from his daughter Summer and "would be anywhere, Home Depot, Walmart, the flea market, and he'd see something he had to buy for his grandsons. He enjoyed nothing more than spoiling those boys." In recent years, Serbeck had developed a strong bond with his daughter Brooke, and the two were often seen together, always enjoying lighthearted and fun moments. "He'd call off of work to take her to get her hair or nails done, or to take her shopping because she wanted the newest sneaker. Gus was the epitome of a protecting, providing father," the post read.
New York Post
01-05-2025
- New York Post
NJ dad beaten to death in front of teen daughter after confronting family friend, his son over alleged assault
A beloved New Jersey dad was beaten to death with a baseball bat and hammer in front of his teen daughter outside the home of her alleged 17-year-old assailant and his father on Easter Sunday. Louis 'Gus' Serbeck went over to Eric Hannah's Vineland home on April 20 with his daughter, Brooke Serbeck, 19, after she told him she was assaulted by Hannah's 17-year-old, identified as JH, the day before, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office wrote in a press release. According to authorities, the 54-year-old bodybuilder from Millville intended to have a conversation with the teen over his daughter's claims, but the confrontation quickly turned violent. Advertisement 4 Louis Serbeck was beaten to death with a baseball bat and a metal hammer after confronting his daughter's alleged abuser. Rone funeral service JH and Serbeck 'engaged in a physical altercation' at the front door of the Hannah home before the teen allegedly grabbed a metal baseball bat and struck him in the head several times. Eric Hannah also joined in on the assault, prosecutors alleged. Advertisement Hannah then allegedly grabbed a metal flashlight and bashed Louis Serbeck in the back of the skull. Brooke, who watched her father be ganged up on and beaten, was also 'struck in the head by JH' during the chaos. Officers with the Vineland Police Department and EMS responded to the scene and found Serbeck in critical condition. The father of two was en route to Inspira Medical Center Vineland when he died, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office revealed. Advertisement 4 The 54-year-old bodybuilder from Millville intended to have a conversation with the teen over his daughter's claims at his home, but the confrontation quickly turned violent. WPVI JH and Hannah were arrested and charged with homicide and weapons offenses on April 21. JH is also facing an additional charge of Aggravated Assault for striking Serbeck's daughter. Hannah was booked into the Cumberland County Jail while his son was taken to a juvenile facility. Prosecutors are still determining if JH will be charged as an adult. Advertisement Serbeck's brother, Christopher Serbeck, said the devoted dad is remembered for his kindness and being willing to do 'anything for anyone.' 'He would take the shirt off his back and give it to you, just cause you needed it. You call him, he'll be there,' Christopher told 6 ABC Action News while fighting back tears on April 25. 'He literally laid his life down for his daughter.' Christopher told the outlet that the two families were 'lifelong' friends. 4 Eric Hannah and his son were arrested and charged with homicide and weapons offenses on April 21. Cumberland County DOC 'He went to school with my oldest brother. Known him our whole life,' the grieving brother said. 'No expectations of something like this happening at all.' Serbeck is also remembered as a devoted father and 'fierce protector' to his two daughters, Summer and Brooke, according to an online obituary. 'Summer and Brooke brought out a tender, loving, compassionate side of Gus that many people never saw before,' his obituary reads. 'He was never happier than when he had one of his daughters in his arms sharing a big smiling cheek-to-cheek hug.' Advertisement The beloved father of two was also a grandfather to two boys from his daughter Summer, and 'would be anywhere, Home Depot, Walmart, the flea market, and he'd see something he had to buy for his grandsons. He enjoyed nothing more than spoiling those boys.' In recent years, Serbeck had grown close to his daughter, Brooke, and the two were 'always together, doing something fun and goofy.' 4 Serbeck's brother, Christopher Serbeck, said the devoted father is remembered for his kindness and willingness to do 'anything for anyone.' Gofundme 'He'd call off of work to take her to get her hair or nails done, or to take her shopping because she wanted the newest sneaker. Gus was the epitome of a protecting, providing father,' the post read. Advertisement He was also adored for being crafty and 'tinkering around his garage and building something out of nothing.' 'He loved building, he was an efficient carpenter and roofer, who possessed vast knowledge of the building trades that he wasn't afraid to share with anyone willing to listen and learn,' according to his obituary. Serbeck is remembered by his father, Louis; his two daughters and two grandchildren; his brothers, Rich and Chris; his former wife, Joy, and 'numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.'
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Bodybuilder dad drove to teen's home to confront him about 'attack' on daughter...then things went horribly wrong
A New Jersey bodybuilder was battered to death after a conversation with his daughter's alleged attacker and his father erupted in violence. Louis 'Gus' Serbeck, 54, of Millville, was known by loved ones as a protective father who adored his two grown children. So, he did not hesitate to defend his younger daughter, Brooke Serbeck, 19, when she claimed she was assaulted by a 17-year-old in his Vineland home on April 19. Serbeck and Brooke went to speak with the alleged assailant, named by authorities as JH, and his father, Eric Hannah, 54, on Easter Sunday. But instead of the conversation they were expecting, the pair was greeted with brutality - costing Serbeck his life. Chaos first broke out between Serbeck and JH when they starting fighting in front of the house, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. JH then grabbed a metal baseball bat and relentlessly bashed Serbeck's head as Brooke watched in horror, authorities said. Hannah joined the brawl to back up his son, using a hard metal flashlight as his weapon of choice to continue obliterating Serbeck's face. At one point, JH reportedly hit Brooke's head as well. It is unclear if he used his hands or the bat. When Vineland police and emergency services finally arrived to the gory scene, they found Serbeck in critical condition. He tragically died on his way to the hospital. JH, who sustained injuries to his face, and Hannah were arrested and charged with homicide and weapons offenses. The teen was hit with additional aggravated assault charges for allegedly striking Brooke during the altercation. Christopher Serbeck, the victim's brother, claimed Hannah was a 'lifelong friend of the family,' making matters abundantly worse, ABC reported. Hannah is being held in Cumberland County Jail and his son is in a juvenile detention center, according to the county prosecutor's office. Serbeck's family has been left to mourn their unexpected loss, describing the circumstances of his death as heroic. 'He literally laid his life down for his daughter,' Christopher told ABC of his brother. 'He would do anything for anyone. He would take the shirt off his back and give it to you, just cause you needed it. You call him, he'll be there.' 'Gus will live on immortally through his many accomplishments. The story of his death, is just one more myth that will define his Legendary life,' his obituary reads. Serbeck has been described as an outdoors-lover and a skilled craftsman and carpenter. Above all, he cherished his family. 'Gus was a very fierce protector, and if you were at odds with Gus or wronged him, his family or friends in any way, you were in for a rough time,' his family wrote. Despite his tough as nails reputation, Serbeck had a soft spot for his kids and two grandchildren from his older daughter, Summer Howe. 'He was never happier than when he had one of his daughters in his arms sharing a big smiling cheek-to-cheek hug,' according to the obit. A GoFundMe created to 'cover the costs of whatever his daughters & family may need' has raised nearly $11,000. Serbeck's funeral was on April 26. Serbeck (pictured with one of his young daughters) was 'was never happier than when he had one of his daughters in his arms' The nature of the April 19 incident between Brooke and JH that led Serbeck to confront the Hannahs remains unclear. Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae told she could not elaborate beyond her office's public statement.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Yahoo
Vineland murder trial: Deshaun Bowen, Rohdane Watson hear verdicts in teen slaying
A Cumberland County jury has convicted two men of killing a 15-year-old Little Leaguer in May 2022. Deshawn Bowen, 25, of Bridgeton and Rohdane Watson, 20, of Vineland were charged with the slaying of Anthony Torres-Sanchez, a freshman at Vineland High School. They took cash and a gun from the teen during a robbery at the Redwood Courts trailer park along Delsea Drive in Vineland, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office said. Brothel bust: Prosecutor accuse Bridgeton man of sex trafficking In the wake of the shooting, members of the South Vineland Little League held a candlelight vigil to honor Sanchez-Torrres. Teammates hugged the victim's weeping mother during the ballfield vigil, then released balloons with messages at sunset. "We love you," they shouted. A trial for Bowen and Watson began with jury selection Jan. 7. It ended Feb. 12 when jurors convicted the men of felony murder, aggravated manslaughter and robbery. Bowen also was found guilty of a weapons offense. Superior Court Judge Joseph Chiarello scheduled sentencing for April 4 in his Bridgeton courtroom. Bowen and Watson face sentences ranging from 30 years to life in prison, the prosecutor's office Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@ This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Jury reaches verdict in case of slain Vineland Little Leaguer
