CUMBERLAND COUNTY FATHER AND SON CHARGED IN FATAL BEATING, ASSAULT

A Cumberland County man and his teenage son have been arrested in connection with the fatal beating of a Vineland man and the assault of the victim’s daughter, authorities announced.

Eric D. Hannah, 55, and his 17-year-old son, identified by authorities as J.H., face multiple charges in the death of 54-year-old Louis “Gus” Serbeck and the assault of Serbeck’s daughter, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.

The incident began Saturday, when J.H. allegedly assaulted Serbeck’s daughter at the Hannahs’ residence in Vineland. The following day, Serbeck and his daughter returned to the home to speak with Hannah about the prior day’s events.

A confrontation reportedly broke out at the front door between Serbeck and J.H., which escalated into a physical altercation. Hannah then joined the fight. According to prosecutors, J.H. struck Serbeck multiple times in the head with a metal baseball bat, while Hannah hit him from behind with a flashlight.

During the altercation, J.H. also struck Serbeck’s daughter in the head, authorities said.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly afterward. Serbeck was transported to a local hospital to be airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, but he died en route, officials said.

Hannah has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses. He is currently being held at the Cumberland County Jail, with a detention hearing scheduled for Friday. J.H. faces similar charges, including homicide, and is being held at a juvenile detention facility.

As of Thursday, Hannah’s listed attorney had not responded to a request for comment.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Detective Christopher Fixler of the Vineland Police Department at 856-691-4111. Tips may also be submitted online at njccpo.gov/tips.