Richard Joseph Novak, a 70-year-old man from Nanticoke, PA, passed away on March 11, 2022. He was a former police officer with the Newport Twp. Police Department and a loving family man. Richard was known for his great sense of humor, love for nature, and passion for fishing. He was a member of St. Faustina Parish and an active member of the West Side Club.
Tragically, Richard Novak's death was the result of a fatal shooting by his son, Kevin Novak, 32, during an argument at their family
home on March 11, 2022. The incident occurred inside the family's double block home at 1205-1207 S. Prospect St. Richard was shot multiple times in the upper body with a .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun registered to Kevin. The court records indicated that Richard was shot while lying on the floor, and multiple shell casings were found in the room.
Following the incident, Kevin Novak was initially deemed incompetent to face criminal homicide charges. However, a mental competency hearing held in February 2023 determined that Kevin's competency had been restored. In July 2023, Kevin entered a no contest plea to third-degree murder and was immediately sentenced to 12 to 30 years in state prison. The no contest plea means that Kevin did not admit guilt but accepted that the prosecution had enough evidence to secure a conviction.
The case drew significant attention due to the family dynamics involved and the tragic nature of the crime. Despite the severity of the incident, Richard Novak's family expressed forgiveness towards Kevin and supported the plea deal and the recommended sentence. Kevin Novak will also be required to pay restitution to the family.
Richard Novak's passing left a significant void in the lives of his family and friends, who remember him fondly for his compassion, sense of humor, and love for the outdoors. His legacy lives on through his family and the memories they cherish.
