Questions Remain As Cops Say Montco Father Kills Son, Wife, Self

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — In the days following the killing of three local family members in the quiet rural suburbs in the western part of Montgomery County, the community is left with more questions than answers.

The double-homicide suicide in Gilbertsville Monday night continued a disturbing trend of domestic killings and relationship violence in the county in 2020, and as authorities continue to put renewed focus on the stresses faced by families amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Gilbertsville resident Gerald E. Mihalcik shared a home on the 2900 block of Reifsnyder Road with his son, Stephen J. Mihalcik, and his daughter-in-law, Rebecca Hall Evans. Two young children also lived in the house. The block is just off the area's main drag, Swamp Pike, and is surrounded by long grass yards with broad swaths of lands between homes.

Investigators did not elaborate on the circumstances leading up to the shooting, nor did they indicate what could have motivated the 78-year-old Gerald E. Mihalcik to turn the gun on his family and then himself.

“This is a such a tragedy and my heart goes out to the surviving family members,” Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said in a statement. “We are seeing more domestic violence homicides in Montgomery County this year than ever before."

The elder Mihalcik shot his 58-year-old son Stephen several times in the head, and Stephen's wife, 51-year-old Rebecca Hall Evans, in the head, police said. He then shot himself, according to the DA.

Gerald Mihalcik and Evans died inside the home. Stephen Mihalcik was taken to Reading Hospital for emergency treatment, but he died soon after.

The two children who lived in the home were not injured, police said.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims and all involved in this terrible tragedy," the New Hanover Township Police Department said.

Nine of the 14 homicides that have taken place in Montgomery County in 2020 have been relationship violence or domestic violence, statistics show. There has also been a rise in 911 calls related to domestic violence.

Officials reminded residents that anyone in need of assistance should call 911, the Laurel House hotline at 800-642-3150 or the Women’s Center of Montgomery County hotline at 800-773-2424.