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- 🚨 Double Homicide Leads to Life w/o Parole | 🔨 Coatesville Townhome Project | 🗝️ Battlefield Hosts Preservation Day
🚨 Double Homicide Leads to Life w/o Parole | 🔨 Coatesville Townhome Project | 🗝️ Battlefield Hosts Preservation Day
Downingtown Local Pulse Issue #422

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…
☀️ Downingtown PA Weather
🚨 Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Double Homicide of Wife and Daughter
🏘️ D.R. Horton Acquires South Coatesville Site for Major Townhome Project
🗝️ Brandywine Battlefield Park Hosts Preservation Day with Historic Tours
🐇 Caln Township Builds on Easter Success with Resident Survey
🗓️ Upcoming Local Events
🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings
🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses



Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Double Homicide of Wife and Daughter

WEST CHESTER, PA — Roger Hanks, a 75-year-old East Marlborough resident, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to the 2024 murders of his wife, Judith, and their daughter, Emily. The killings took place in the family’s suburban home after a holiday visit turned violent. Authorities said Hanks, heavily intoxicated, was handling a handgun during an argument with his wife when he shot her. Their daughter, who had just returned from the hospital, was killed moments later as she confronted him. Relatives and friends spoke emotionally in court about the profound loss and lasting trauma caused by the tragedy.
Hanks, who appeared frail and used a wheelchair in court, admitted his actions during the proceeding and expressed remorse. He will serve a life sentence in the state prison system.
D.R. Horton Acquires South Coatesville Site for Major Townhome Project
COATESVILLE, PA — D.R. Horton, one of the country’s largest homebuilders, has closed on a $3.1 million deal for a 17-acre property in South Coatesville where it plans to develop a 132-unit townhome community named Summit Village. The initial phase includes 67 homes on the eastern side of Birch Street, with an additional 65 planned for the western side, pending further development. The townhomes will offer three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a garage, spread across approximately 1,500 square feet.
Brandywine Battlefield Park Hosts Preservation Day with Historic Tours

CHADDS FORD, PA — Brandywine Battlefield Park will welcome visitors on Saturday, April 26, for a special event centered on historic preservation and education. Titled Preserving Our Past, the daylong program will offer live demonstrations, educational talks, and access to regional conservation groups sharing their work to protect the landscape and legacy of the Brandywine Valley.
Guests can take guided tours of two significant homes on the property: the Benjamin Ring House, known for its role as General George Washington’s headquarters, and the Gideon Gilpin House, both central to the area's Revolutionary War history. Tour times are staggered throughout the day to allow guests multiple opportunities to participate. More info on BrandywineBattlefield.org
Caln Township Builds on Easter Success with Resident Survey
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CALN TWP — This year’s Easter Egg Hunt in Caln Township was marked by strong community participation and cheerful energy, as families gathered in the park to celebrate the season with egg hunts, outdoor fun, and connection with neighbors.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, township organizers have launched a short survey inviting attendees to share their thoughts and suggestions. The goal is to ensure future events remain both engaging and inclusive, with particular attention paid to accessibility, activity options, and community involvement.
The township encourages all participants to provide feedback, which will help shape next year’s event and other seasonal celebrations that foster connection and community pride.

Upcoming local events…
Chesco Hazard Mitigation Public Open House (Coatesville) - April 24th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - April 26th, 10am-12pm
The 19th Annual West Chester Film Festival (West Chester) - April 26th-27th
Historic Yellow Springs Art Sale (Chester Springs) - April 26th-May 11th
Puttin' Fore Paws (Downingtown) - April 28th, 12pm
NestFEST: Rock the Nest (Downingtown) - May 2nd, 7pm-10pm
East Caln and Downingtown Boro SHRED EVENT (Downingtown) - May 3rd, 9am-12pm
Springton Manor Sheep and Wool Day (Glenmoore) - May 3rd, 11am-3pm
Family STEM & Game Building Sessions (Downingtown) - May 3rd, 12pm-2pm
Life and Times of The Struble Trail (Downingtown) - May 3rd, 1pm-4pm
Repair Café (Downingtown) - May 10th, 10am-2pm
Spring Festival at Downingtown Vintage (Downingtown) - May 10th, 10am-5pm
Monthly Real Estate Investor Meet up (West Chester) - May 14th, 6:45pm-8:30pm
Chester County Sustainability Summit (West Chester) - May 17th, 10am-2pm
The Ledbetters & Superunknown- Tributes to Pearl Jam and Chris Cornell (Phoenixville)
West Bradford Day (Downingtown) - May 18th, 12pm-4pm
45th Annual Chester County Car Show (Downingtown) - May 24th, 9am-3pm
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