Northampton man guilty of first-degree murder

A Northampton County Judge has found a Bushkill Township man guilty of first-degree murder in the Oct. 4, 2017, shooting death of his cousin and the wounding of the cousin’s wife in the couples’ Lehigh Township home.

Northampton County Judge Craig A. Dally, in a non-jury, degree-of-guilty hearing Monday, found John M. Hann, 62, guilty in the death of Joseph Mullner.

Mullner’s wife, Melinda Mullner, was also shot, but has since recovered. Hann also shot the couple’s dog.

On April 18, Hann pleaded guilty to charges of attempted homicide and cruelty to animals.

Dally deferred sentencing pending a presentence investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 20. Hann faces a mandatory life sentence.

Hann remains in Northampton County without bail.

The trial began Sept. 24.

Hann was charged with criminal homicide, criminal attempt/criminal homicide, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, six counts of firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of weapons, possession of an instrument of crime with intent, and cruelty to animals.

He was represented by Gary N. Asteak. First Assistant District Attorney Terence P. Houck and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca J. Kulik prosecuted the case.

According to published news reports, Hann shot Mullner 18 times inside the house, then chased him outside before delivering the fatal shot.

Melinda Mullner played dead to save her life.

According to testimony, Hann planned the killing. He brought his developmentally delayed sister, for whom he cared, with him.

Hann was captured the next morning by state police at Bethlehem after a three-hour standoff with police.