Louis Serbeck, 54, died on Sunday, April 20, while attempting to take justice into his own hands after an alleged assault case against his daughter. The man died during his transfer to a hospital after being beaten with a baseball bat and a metal flashlight in front of the residence of Eric Hannah, 55, and in the presence of a 17-year-old boy identified by authorities only as JH.
The altercation took place in Vineland, New Jersey. According to an official statement from the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, the violence erupted when Serbeck and his daughter went to Hannah’s home, where the minor who had allegedly physically attacked the young woman the day before was also present.
During the visit, the situation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation that ended with fatal consequences.
The prosecutor’s report indicates that JH repeatedly hit Serbeck in the head with a metal baseball bat, while Hannah also joined in the assault by hitting him in the back of the head with a metal flashlight. Serbeck’s daughter was also injured in the head by the teenager, according to the same official report.
A visit seeking answers ended in bloody tragedy
The timeline of the case begins on April 19, when Serbeck learned that his teenage daughter had been the victim of a physical assault, allegedly committed by JH. In response, father and daughter went to the minor’s home the next day, intending to speak with Eric Hannah, who was present at the scene.
The Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office explained that it was JH who opened the door to the residence. The initial exchange escalated into a confrontation that soon turned violent.
“JH is allegedly responsible for striking Serbeck in the head multiple times with a metal baseball bat,” the statement reads. Hannah is also accused of intervening and assaulting the man with a metal flashlight, also aimed at his head.
The same report details that JH not only attacked Serbeck, but also hit his daughter in the head with the same bat. The young man suffered facial injuries, although authorities have not specified whether these occurred during a struggle or in self-defense.
Investigators have not revealed whether Serbeck previously attempted to contact the police after the initial attack on his daughter.
The police response was immediate, but it was not able to save his life
Following an emergency call, Vineland Police Department officers and medical services units responded to the scene. Serbeck suffered serious head injuries and was immediately transported to a local hospital in Vineland. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was medically evacuated to Cooper Hospital in Camden, located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north.
According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Serbeck died on the way to the specialized hospital. The time elapsed between the attack and the start of the transfer has not been specified, nor has it been reported whether there were any delays that could have contributed to his death.
Arrest of the attackers and charges filed by the authorities
Eric Hannah and the minor were arrested shortly after the attack. Both face homicide and weapons-related charges. In JH’s case, prosecutors also charged him with an additional charge of aggravated assault, stemming from the attack on Serbeck’s daughter.
Due to the teenager’s age, authorities have decided to withhold his full name. It has not been reported whether he will be prosecuted as an adult or what his current legal status is. It has also not been revealed whether Hannah had a criminal record or any prior connection between him and the victim.
Reactions and support for the family: a donation campaign exceeds its goal
Following Serbeck’s sudden death, family and friends organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses. The effort quickly surpassed its initial goal of $10,000. The fundraiser’s description describes him as “one of the bravest, most loving, outgoing, kind-hearted, funniest, and most caring men anyone has ever known.”
So far, neither the prosecutor’s office nor the local police have commented on the emotional or physical condition of Serbeck’s daughter, nor on whether any legal or psychological assistance will be offered to the family.
Authorities continue to investigate the events to clarify the exact sequence of events and determine whether there was premeditation on the part of those involved. The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office has not yet set a date for preliminary hearings.