Tragic Murder in Millville: Father and Son Charged in Brutal Assault that Led to the Death of Gus Serbeck

MILLVILLE, NJ — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded over the weekend in Millville, as a father and his teenage son have been charged with the brutal killing of Gus Serbeck, a beloved member of the community, following a violent altercation stemming from a family dispute.

On April 19, Gus Serbeck’s daughter was assaulted by 17-year-old J.H. at their residence in Leamings Mill, Millville. Authorities say that the assault occurred after an earlier confrontation, but the details of what led to the altercation have yet to be fully disclosed by officials.

The following day, on April 20, Gus Serbeck and his daughter went to confront 55-year-old Eric Hannah, the father of J.H., regarding the assault. What started as a confrontation quickly escalated into violence when Serbeck and J.H. came to blows outside Hannah’s home. According to Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, J.H. struck Serbeck several times with a metal baseball bat, while Eric Hannah joined the assault, hitting Serbeck in the back of the head with a metal flashlight.

In the midst of the altercation, J.H. also struck Serbeck’s daughter in the head. Tragically, Gus Serbeck was severely injured in the fight and died while being transported to the hospital. His death has left the Millville community in shock, as residents mourn the loss of a man known for his kindness and generosity.

Eric Hannah and his son J.H. were arrested and charged with homicide and weapons offenses. Additionally, J.H. was charged with assaulting Serbeck’s daughter. Authorities have yet to disclose the full extent of the investigation, as they continue to piece together the details of the altercation.

Gus Serbeck is remembered by friends and family as a man of unwavering strength and generosity. According to his obituary from Rone Funeral Service, Serbeck would go out of his way to help anyone in need. “It didn’t matter if you were a perfect stranger—if he saw you broke down on the side of the road, he would pull over and help you with all his resources, just the same as if you were his very own brother,” his obituary states. “The story of his death is just one more myth that will define his legendary life. He laid his life down to do what he does best, to protect his family, to protect his baby girl.”

Serbeck’s family is devastated by the loss of a loving husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his father Louis, his wife Joy, his children and grandchildren, and his brothers Rich and Christopher, among many other family members and friends.

A fundraiser has been set up to support the Serbeck family during this difficult time. As of Thursday, April 24, over $6,500 has been raised to assist with funeral costs and other expenses. Kylie Chain, the organizer of the fundraiser, described Serbeck as “one of the bravest, caring, outgoing, warmhearted, funny, and most protective men to be known. He would do anything for his two beautiful daughters.”

A funeral service for Gus Serbeck will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m. at Rone Funeral Service in Vineland. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and honor his memory.

At present, Eric Hannah remains in custody at Cumberland County Jail, while J.H. is detained in a juvenile facility. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic altercation.