Stephen J. Mihalcik, a 56-year-old man from Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, tragically lost his life on September 14, 2020. He was the husband of Rebecca Hall Evans, 51, and the son of Gerald E. Mihalcik, 78. The incident occurred at their family home in the 2900 block of Reifsnyder Road in Gilbertsville, New Hanover Township.
On the evening of the incident, New Hanover Township police responded to a reported shooting at the residence. Upon arrival, they found Rebecca Evans deceased at the scene and Gerald Mihalcik also deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Stephen Mihalcik was discovered alive but critically injured and was immediately transported to Reading Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Autopsies conducted by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office revealed that Rebecca Evans died from a gunshot wound to the head, and her death was ruled a homicide. Gerald Mihalcik’s cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a suicide. Stephen Mihalcik’s autopsy, conducted by the Berks County Coroner’s Office, found that he died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, and his death was also ruled a homicide.
The Montgomery County District Attorney, Kevin Steele, announced that the incident was a result of domestic violence. Gerald Mihalcik had shot both his son and daughter-in-law before taking his own life. This tragic event highlighted the increasing concern over domestic violence homicides in the area, prompting authorities to urge those in violent situations to seek help through available resources such as the Laurel House hotline and the Women’s Center of Montgomery County hotline.
The surviving family members, including Stephen Mihalcik’s two sons and his step-children, were left to cope with the devastating loss. The community rallied to support them through fundraisers and other means of assistance.
This case did not lead to any arrests or ongoing investigations, as the perpetrator was deceased. The focus remained on providing support to the bereaved family and raising awareness about domestic violence prevention.
