After just two months of settling into their ideal residence, Justin and Amber Hicks were tragically murdered in their home while watching television with their two-year-old son, Jacob. The killer, identified as their neighbor Matthew Scott Lanz, allegedly broke into their house and shot the couple, leaving little Jacob unharmed but alone amidst the gruesome scene for 12 hours.
Prosecutors revealed that the Hicks were unaware of the intruder lurking outside before the fatal attack, which took place late one Friday evening. The heartbreaking incident unfolded as the toddler witnessed his parents being brutally murdered, with their family dog also present at the scene.
Following the shooting, evidence suggests that the toddler attempted to interact with his deceased parents, showcasing a heartbreaking scene of innocence amidst tragedy. Lanz is currently facing charges for the murders in Cherokee County, Georgia, along with accusations of child cruelty for leaving Jacob unattended for an extended period.
Friends of the slain couple expressed their joy at finding their dream home, with Justin being a beloved firefighter in the county. Lanz’s trial has faced delays due to concerns about his mental competency, but a judge ruled him fit to stand trial despite his claims of a government conspiracy against him.
The legal proceedings against Lanz continue, shedding light on this horrific crime that shattered the peaceful lives of the Hicks family.
