Two months after moving into their dream home in Cherokee County, Georgia, Justin and Amber Hicks were murdered by an intruder while watching television with their two-year-old son, Jacob. The toddler was left alone for 12 hours with his parents' bodies, prosecutors told a court.
The couple were "cuddled up" on the sofa when the back window was broken. The intruder shot them, and the toddler allegedly witnessed the killings. Jacob's toys were found on and around his father's body. The family dog was also present.
During the 12 hours, the child tried to cuddle and play with his dead parents, according to the prosecution. He was found physically unharmed but with a soiled nappy, unable to feed himself or get his parents' attention. The neighbour, Matthew Scott Lanz, is accused of the murders.
Lanz faces charges including murder and cruelty to a child. His trial has been delayed over questions of his competency. A judge found him fit to stand trial despite a schizophrenia diagnosis. Lanz claims he has been set up by the FBI or CIA.
Lanz had previously been arrested in connection with a break-in at the same home before the Hicks family bought it. Justin Hicks was a beloved firefighter in the community.
