A New Jersey father was beaten to death with a metal baseball bat after confronting a man and his 17-year-old son over an alleged assault on his daughter, according to investigators.
Louis “Gus” Serbeck, 54, reportedly visited the home of Eric Hannah, 55, and his teenage son on April 20 to speak about an incident involving his daughter the day before. What was meant to be a conversation quickly escalated into violence.
Authorities say both Hannahs attacked Serbeck with a metal bat and a flashlight, striking him in the head multiple times. Serbeck died en route to the hospital. His daughter was also injured during the confrontation, suffering a blow to the head.
“He literally laid his life down for his daughter,” said Christopher Serbeck, the victim’s brother. “He would do anything for anyone.”
The families involved had a long-standing relationship, adding another layer of heartbreak to the tragedy. “He went to school with my oldest brother. Known him our whole life,” Christopher added.
Eric Hannah and his son were charged with homicide and weapons offenses. The teenager also faces an aggravated assault charge related to the daughter’s injuries. Eric is being held at Cumberland County Jail; his son is in a juvenile facility as officials determine whether to charge him as an adult.
