By: Richard L. Smith
A violent altercation in Vineland has led to murder and assault charges against a Cumberland County man and his teenage son, following an incident that left a 54-year-old man dead and his daughter injured, according to a statement released by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities say the fatal confrontation unfolded over the weekend after an earlier dispute.
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, a 17-year-old boy—identified only by the initials J.H.—allegedly assaulted the daughter of Louis "Gus" Serbeck at the suspect's home.
The next day, Serbeck and his daughter returned to the residence, reportedly to speak with the boy's father, 55-year-old Eric D. Hannah, about the incident.
When Serbeck arrived, a confrontation quickly escalated at the front entrance of the home.
Prosecutors said J.H. began attacking Serbeck with a metal baseball bat, striking him repeatedly in the head. Hannah is accused of joining the assault and hitting Serbeck in the back of the head with a flashlight.
During the attack, J.H. also allegedly struck Serbeck's daughter in the head.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and Serbeck was initially transported to a local hospital with plans to airlift him to Cooper University Hospital.
Sadly, he died before he could be transferred.
Hannah has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and multiple weapons offenses. He is currently being held at the Cumberland County Jail, with a detention hearing set for Friday.
His son, J.H., faces similar charges, including homicide and aggravated assault, and is being held in a juvenile detention facility.
The case remains under investigation. Authorities have not released further details about the motive behind the initial assault or whether the suspects had prior criminal history.
The tragic events have left the community shaken as the legal process begins for a father and son now facing the most serious of charges.