Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
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 October 21, 2025

Pennsylvania man accused of killing his mother’s partner after witnessing a truck encounter

A Pennsylvania man is facing a homicide charge after allegedly shooting his mother’s partner during a sexual encounter in a parked truck outside their home.

Dylan Lang, 24, was arrested early Saturday for allegedly fatally shooting 55-year-old Robert Hagen Jr. outside their Jackson Township residence after reportedly becoming enraged upon discovering Hagen and his mother engaged in sexual activity, as New York Post reports.

The deadly altercation unfolded shortly before 4 a.m. at a home where Lang lived with his mother, her former fiancé, and other relatives. Police were dispatched to the scene after Lang himself called 911 and admitted to the shooting.

According to investigators, the violent incident followed several days of tension. Lang had reportedly grown upset over the ongoing intimate relationship between his mother and Hagen, which he claimed was happening frequently and without restraint.

Dispute Turns Violent After Mother's Night Out

On the evening before the shooting, Lang’s mother and Hagen reportedly went out drinking together before returning home. Rather than going inside, they remained in the driveway and continued their encounter inside Hagen’s truck.

Lang, who was inside the residence, allegedly observed the two in the vehicle from a window. Enraged, he retrieved a 9mm handgun and went outside to confront the situation directly.

Investigators say Lang first attempted to aim through the driver’s side window, but found it difficult due to the angle or space. At that point, he allegedly broke the rear truck window before firing at Hagen.

Shots Fired As Mother Watches In Horror

The two bullets struck Hagen in the upper torso. He was reportedly trying to reverse out of the driveway when he was hit, causing the vehicle to roll forward and stop on the front lawn.

Police found Hagen deceased in the truck, partially unclothed. Lang’s mother, who had been in the truck at the time, reportedly screamed in shock to her son, “You shot him!” during the chaos following the shooting.

Lang quickly called 911 following the incident, telling the dispatcher, “I just shot someone in my driveway. I f–ked up.” When questioned by police, he expressed remorse and said he had “spun out of control” in the heat of the moment.

Suspect's Statements Highlight Growing Resentment

Authorities say Lang appeared to be emotionally overwhelmed about his mother’s romantic involvement with Hagen. His statement indicated that his sense of fury had been building over several days as he witnessed the relationship unfold within their shared home.

In the early hours of Saturday, his repulsion reportedly turned into action. Rather than seek help or distance himself from the situation, he chose violence—ending one life and drastically altering his own future.

Lang was arrested at the scene without resistance. He now faces multiple charges, including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. He is currently being held without bail at Cambria County Prison.

State Police Take Over Investigation

The Pennsylvania State Police have been assigned to take the lead on the investigation. Officials are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses as they prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 27. At that time, a judge will review the charges and determine how the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

So far, there has been no public comment from Hagen’s family, nor have Lang’s relatives released a formal statement regarding the tragedy.

Lessons to Learn

While this case is highly unusual, it serves as a powerful reminder of how emotions, if left unchecked, can spiral into deadly consequences. These lessons can help the public process this event and potentially avoid similar situations:

1. Difficult emotions require healthier outlets. When conflicts arise within families—especially involving intimate or sensitive circumstances—it's critical to seek therapy, confide in a trusted third party, or withdraw from volatile environments before emotions boil over.

2. Firearms demand responsibility. Access to weapons increases the stakes in any emotional confrontation. Safe storage and thoughtful decision-making about when and how to engage in tense situations can be life-saving.

3. Know that harm can happen anytime. Even when precautions are taken, crime and violence can still occur. We must always refrain from blaming victims and instead focus our attention on reducing risk through preventive strategies and peaceful conflict resolution.

Why This Story Matters

This case shines a light on family dynamics, emotional health, and the devastating consequences that follow spur-of-the-moment violence. The tragedy also raises larger community questions about access to guns and the importance of mental health support.

By examining stories like these, communities are better informed about warning signs and risk factors, making it easier to advocate for essential services and interventions. The lessons drawn may serve to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in other households.

Conclusion

Dylan Lang, 24, of Jackson Township, Pennsylvania, allegedly shot and killed his mother’s partner, Robert Hagen Jr., in the early hours of Saturday morning following several days of escalating resentment. Authorities say Lang became enraged after seeing Hagen and his mother engaging in sexual activity in a truck parked in their driveway. He retrieved a handgun, fired two lethal shots into the vehicle, and called 911 to report the act. Hagen was pronounced dead at the scene. Lang has been charged and remains in jail pending a preliminary court appearance. The case remains under investigation by state police.

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Written By: Rampart Stonebridge

I'm Rampart Stonebridge, a curious and passionate writer who can't get enough of true crime. As a criminal investigative journalist, I put on my detective hat, delving deep into each case to reveal the hidden truths. My mission? To share engaging stories and shed light on the complexities of our mysterious world, all while satisfying your curiosity about the intriguing realm of true crime.

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