A New Jersey father was beaten to death while trying to defend his daughter, in a tragedy that has shocked a community and divided two families.
Prosecutors say the fatal beating involved a metal baseball bat and flashlight — and was carried out by a man the victim had called a friend for decades.
Louis “Gus” Serbeck, a 54-year-old father of two, died en route to the hospital on Easter Sunday, April 30, after an altercation outside the home of longtime friend Eric Hannah, 55, and Hannah’s 17-year-old son, identified in court documents as JH.
According to prosecutors, the fight stemmed from Serbeck’s 19-year-old daughter, Brooke, telling her father she had returned from the Hannahs’ home with two black eyes. Determined to confront those responsible, Serbeck went to the residence in Millville, New Jersey, where the situation quickly escalated into violence.
Alleged Attack with Bat and Flashlight
Prosecutors allege that Serbeck was struck multiple times in the head with a metal baseball bat by the teenage boy, while Eric Hannah reportedly hit Serbeck in the back of the head with a metal flashlight. Brooke, who was also injured in the fight, managed to help her father get to his truck, but he collapsed moments later.
Serbeck was transported to a nearby hospital and then airlifted to another medical center — but he died in transit.
“He laid his life down to do what he does best — to protect his family, to protect his baby girl,” his obituary read.
Charges Filed in Brutal Beating
Both Eric Hannah and his son JH have been charged with homicide and weapons offenses. JH also faces a separate aggravated assault charge for allegedly attacking Brooke during the incident.
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office and Vineland Police Department are continuing their investigation.
Hannah Family Offers Conflicting Account
Despite the serious charges, the Hannah family has pushed back on the prosecution’s version of events. They claim Brooke was injured not by JH or his father, but during a separate altercation with JH’s 14-year-old sister on April 19.
The teen girl claimed Brooke was drunk and became aggressive after being asked to leave their home around 3 a.m., allegedly shoving people and pulling hair.
“So I punched her in the face,” the teenage girl told the New York Post.
“I wouldn’t have punched her if she didn’t grab my hair.”
According to the Hannah family, Serbeck showed up the next day and allegedly threw the first punch. They claim both Serbeck and JH were armed — Serbeck with a pipe and JH with a bat — and swung at each other. They insist no one hit Serbeck in the head with a bat or flashlight, and believed he was suffering from a heart attack when he collapsed.
Family and Friends Mourn a Devoted Father
Serbeck’s family is devastated and searching for answers. His brother, Christopher Serbeck, described Gus as someone with unwavering loyalty who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.
“To have someone you’ve known your whole life kill you — it just doesn’t add up,” Christopher told The Post.
He also disputed the Hannah family’s narrative, insisting that his brother was a capable fighter and suggesting the situation was more complicated than what’s being claimed.
“I’ve seen my brother fight five guys at the same time and never have a problem,” he said.
As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the Serbeck family is left grieving a beloved father who died trying to protect his daughter — and at the hands of someone he once trusted.