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A harrowing scene unfolded in Georgia, where a toddler was discovered drenched in blood, desperately seeking comfort by clinging to his deceased parents. This tragic discovery is now at the heart of a murder trial gripping the state.
Matthew Scott Lanz is currently facing charges for the brutal killing of a well-regarded firefighter from Cherokee County, Justin Hicks, and his wife, Amber. The incident, which occurred in 2021, has shocked the local community and placed Lanz in the spotlight as the trial progresses in Cobb County.
Prosecutors have outlined a chilling sequence of events, highlighting how Lanz allegedly invaded the Hicks’ home in Acworth and coldly executed the couple. Adding to the tragedy, Lanz is also charged with cruelty to children, as he fled the scene, leaving the couple’s 2-year-old son alone for several distressing hours.
In an effort to piece together the events of that fateful night, the prosecution presented security footage during the trial’s opening statements. This footage purportedly shows Lanz at his parents’ residence, which is adjacent to the victims’ home, on the evening of November 17, 2021, coinciding with the time of the murders.
The surveillance video captured Lanz moving around the Hicks’ property between 9:31 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. He was seen leaving the scene shortly after, at 10:10 p.m., raising disturbing questions about his actions and intentions that night.
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, the lifeless bodies of Justin and Amber Hicks were discovered on a couch, victims of a mysterious and brutal shooting. In the aftermath, their young son and the family dog were found unharmed but left alone until the authorities arrived, adding a heartrending layer to this already tragic story.
Investigators said they found the 2-year-old soaked in blood, crying and trying to cuddle the bodies of his deceased parents.
A few days later, police arrested Lanz after he allegedly broke into a Sandy Springs residence. When an officer responded to the scene, Lanz reportedly stabbed the officer several times in the neck and back; another officer then shot him.
According to Channel 2 Action News, the trial had been delayed numerous times over issues surrounding Lanz’s competency to stand trial.
In October, a forensic psychologist told the court that Lanz suffered from schizophrenia, but a judge found him competent to stand trial, Court TV reports.
Lanz requested a bench trial, meaning a judge will render the verdict.
The trial continues. Check back for updates.
[Featured Photo: Hicks couple/Facebook]
