URGENT UPDATE: A shocking murder case in Acworth, Georgia, has left a community in disbelief after a two-year-old boy was discovered blood-soaked and cuddling with his parents, who were brutally shot dead by their neighbor. The incident occurred on November 17, 2021, and the child’s parents, Justin and Amber Hicks, were killed while he slept upstairs.
Authorities report that the suspect, Matthew Scott Lanz, was arrested and found guilty of multiple charges including murder in a recent bench trial. The court proceedings revealed harrowing details as Lanz entered the Hicks’ home through a back door and fatally shot the couple. The child was unharmed but was left alone for an alarming twelve hours, attempting to wake his parents, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded.
In a heartbreaking moment captured on police bodycam footage, the toddler was seen trying to engage with his deceased parents, covered in blood and still in unchanged diapers. This horrifying discovery was made by Justin’s father, who went to check on the family after Amber failed to show up for work and did not respond to text messages.
Lanz’s violent history further complicates the case. Just days after the murders, he was involved in a separate incident where he allegedly broke into a home in Sandy Springs and stabbed an officer before being shot by another. Despite questions surrounding his mental competency, he was ultimately convicted of two counts of murder, four counts of felony murder, and additional charges including child cruelty.
During the trial, no clear motive was established, but Lanz reportedly mentioned seeing “demonic lights” in the couple’s home. He was sentenced to three life sentences, two of which are without parole, along with 32 years in confinement, all to be served consecutively.
This tragic case underscores the profound impact of violence on families and communities. As the legal system continues to address Lanz’s actions, the heart-wrenching story of the Hicks family serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for community support in times of crisis.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. Share your thoughts and condolences as the community rallies to support the surviving toddler and remember the lives lost.
