Pennsylvania Man Charged with Double Murder After Allegedly Killing In-Laws in Domestic Dispute

Xiaomin Fei, 34, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, has been charged with two counts of murder for allegedly fatally shooting his in-laws after his wife served him with divorce papers

A 34-year-old man in Pennsylvania has been charged with two counts of murder after allegedly breaking into his in-laws’ home and fatally shooting them during a domestic dispute.

Xiaomin Fei of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was arrested Tuesday evening and now faces multiple charges including murder, burglary, and reckless endangerment. The victims, identified as Robert and Gretchen Ackerman, were in their 70s and were the parents of Fei’s wife.

The scene of a double homicide is seen Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at The Highlands of Glenmoor development in Palmer Township

According to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta, Fei allegedly forced entry into the Ackermans’ home using a hammer around 7 p.m. Once inside, he fatally shot both victims. First responders found Robert Ackerman deceased on the floor upon arrival, while Gretchen Ackerman was still alive but later died en route to the hospital.

Fei was found standing in the doorway of the residence allegedly holding a firearm when police arrived. After being ordered to drop the weapon, he complied and was taken into custody without incident.

Robert Ackerman was pronounced dead at the scene, and Gretchen Ackerman died from her injuries at a nearby hospital.

Authorities revealed that Fei’s two young children, ages 4 and 5, were discovered hiding in another room inside the home. No injuries to the children were reported.

Fei, a Chinese national with legal immigrant status in the United States, reportedly told investigators that his wife had served him divorce papers earlier that day. He also claimed that the Ackermans had locked him out of their home and refused to allow him access to his children, which allegedly prompted the confrontation.

Xiaomin Fei, 34, of Bushkill Township, was charged in the double homicide of his in-laws, Robert Ackerman, 74, a retired East Stroudsburg University professor, and Gretchen Ackerman, 75, at their home on Glasgow Way inside The Highlands of Glenmoor 55+ community

Court records show that Fei purchased a revolver from a gun shop around 5 p.m., approximately two hours before the deadly shooting. He admitted during police interviews that he saw his wife and children inside the home before opening fire on his in-laws.

Fei has been denied bail and is currently being held at Northampton County Prison. His preliminary court appearance is scheduled for June 18, 2025. Authorities have not disclosed the location of Fei’s wife at the time of the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.