URGENT UPDATE: A shocking murder case has unfolded in Acworth, Georgia, where a toddler was found blood-soaked, cuddling with his parents, Justin and Amber Hicks, who were tragically shot dead by their neighbor, Matthew Scott Lanz. The horrifying scene was discovered after authorities responded to a welfare check on November 17, 2021, when Amber failed to show up for work.
The two-year-old boy was upstairs sleeping during the brutal attack and was thankfully unharmed. He was later found trying to wake his parents, unaware of the catastrophic events that had taken place. The toddler was left alone for approximately 12 hours, covered in blood and in unchanged diapers, struggling to comprehend the loss of his parents.
Lanz, who was arrested shortly after the incident, faced multiple charges, including murder. In a bench trial last week, he was found guilty on all counts, including two counts of murder and four counts of felony murder, among other charges. Lanz was sentenced to three life sentences, two without parole, plus an additional 32 years in confinement, all to be served consecutively.
Authorities revealed that Lanz entered the Hicks’ home through a rear door and executed the couple without any known motive. His defense claimed he suffered from schizophrenia, and during the trial, prosecutors noted that he had previously reported seeing “demonic lights” in the couple’s home.
The tragedy deepened with the revelation that Justin’s father had come to check on the family after Amber’s absence went unanswered. According to police bodycam footage, officers arrived to find the toddler attempting to engage with his deceased parents, highlighting the unimaginable impact of this crime.
Just days after the murders, Lanz was involved in another violent incident where he broke into a residence in Sandy Springs, leading to a confrontation with police where he stabbed an officer before being shot by another.
This heartbreaking case has drawn significant attention, emphasizing the impact of violence on innocent lives. The community mourns the loss of Justin and Amber Hicks, while the boy’s future remains uncertain as he grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event.
As developments continue to unfold, authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to come forward. The emotional toll on the surviving child is profound, and support is being organized to aid him during this traumatic time.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our news platform.
