In Acworth, Georgia, a tragic incident unfolded when Justin and Amber Hicks were found dead in their home, leaving their toddler unharmed but trying to play and cuddle with his deceased parents. This heartbreaking discovery was made by Justin’s father after Amber missed work and could not be reached via text messages, prompting a welfare check at the residence. The couple’s neighbour, Matthew Scott Lanz, was charged with their murders and recently found guilty on all counts after a bench trial.
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According to reports, on November 17, 2021, Lanz entered the Hicks’ home through the back door and fatally shot Justin and Amber. Fortunately, their 2-year-old son was upstairs and remained unharmed during the horrific incident. The child was later found by authorities cuddling with his parents and trying to interact with them, despite the devastating circumstances. The scene was described as heart-wrenching, with the toddler covered in blood and still in unchanged diapers.
During the trial, no clear motive for the killings was established. However, prosecutors claimed that Lanz had mentioned seeing “demonic lights” in the Hicks’ residence and attributed his actions to his deceased brother’s alleged grievances with the previous occupants of the property. Lanz’s brother, Austin, had a troubled history with the residence, having broken in before and tragically ended his own life after a violent altercation earlier that year.
Despite Lanz’s defence attorney arguing that he had not been connected to any physical evidence at the crime scene, he was convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of malice murder, four counts of felony murder, and other grave offences. The court handed down a sentencing of three life terms, two without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 32 years to be served consecutively.
The community was left reeling from the senseless loss of Justin and Amber Hicks, with their loved ones and neighbours grappling with the aftermath of this devastating tragedy. The resilience displayed by the toddler, who innocently sought his parents’ attention in the midst of such a horrific scene, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of this heinous crime on those left behind.
In the wake of this harrowing incident, the Acworth community has come together to honour the memory of the Hicks family and offer support to those affected by this unfathomable act of violence. As the legal proceedings conclude with Lanz’s conviction, the healing process for all those touched by this tragedy is only just beginning, as they seek solace and justice in the face of unimaginable loss. The heartbreaking story of the Hicks family serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of senseless acts of violence within a community.