Acworth's Matthew Lanz, 22, has been charged with two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, home invasion, and possession of a firearm A neighbor who asked to remain anonymous said the two were brothers. Cellphone data also showed Lanz at the scene of the crime in Acworth around 9 p.m. Lanzs parents and the Hicks were neighbors who shared a backyard fence. Matthew Lanz court hearing | Murder of Justin and Amber In Their bodies were found in November 2021 after prosecutors allege Lanz broke in and shot and killed them both. Lanzs 27-year-old brother, Austin William Lanz, was identified as the man who fatally stabbed a Pentagon police officer and shot himself with the officers gun last August. Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday after police say he broke into a home in Sandy Springs and stabbed a police officer who responded. ACWORTH, Ga. An arraignment for a man accused of killing a young Acworth couple was delayed once again. Matthew Lanz, 22, of Acworth, is also accused of stabbing and wounding a police officer in neighboring Fulton County in November, two days after the alleged murders. Channel 2 Action News has confirmed that Lanz lived next door to the Hicks family in Acworth. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Legal Statement. Matthew Lanz, the Hicks' neighbor, has been chargedwith the couples murder but their families said the build-up to his trial has been painful. Barnett said Justin always fit right into their family. Sandy Springs police have charged Lanz with 35 felony counts, including 10 each of attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated assault on a police officer, and felony obstruction. He has since also been charged in the murders of Cherokee County firefighter Justin Hicks and his wife Amber, who were shot and killed in their home Nov. 18. The indictment in Cobb County lists charges against Matthew Lanz for two counts of malice murder, four counts of felony murder, one count of home invasion, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, one count of cruelty to children in the second degree, and one count of tampering with evidence. He was their world," Amber's cousin Kristyn Bauer said. Their 2-year-old son was unharmed. Austin William Lanz, 27, a resident of Acworth, Georgia, is accused of stabbing and killing a Pentagon Police Officer, authorities say. A different man named Austin Lanz was arrested for breaking into the same Acworth home in April. Funeral held for firefighter, wife killed inside their Cobb County home Justin and Amber Hicks were shot multiple times inside their home last week. The Cobb County Police Department initially said hed been taken into custody, but later said they had just obtained warrants for Lanzs arrest. Amber was found still sitting on the couch. The hearing is taking place in a Cobb County courtroom at 9:30 a.m. You can watch it live on 11Alive.com, the 11Alive YouTube channel or on the 11Alive+ app on Roku or FireTV. [RELATED: Firefighter and wife murdered inside their Cobb County home, Stannard said Justin Hicks had gunshot wounds to his head, shoulder and torso. Their little boy was just 2 years old when Amber and Justin were killed inside their home last year. Family and friends described the couple as childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from each other. 22-year-old Matthew Lanz is a suspect in the murder investigation of 31-year-old Timothy Justin Hicks and his wife, 31-year-old Amber Hicks. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta facebook feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta twitter feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta instagram feed(Opens a new window), WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta youtube feed(Opens a new window), UGA star charged in deadly crash turns himself in, released shortly after, records show, Officers, command staff resign after south Georgia police chief arrested by GBI, Florida personal injury attorney accused of stealing more than $840K from clients, 9 elementary school students sickened by unknown substance at metro Atlanta school, UGA football staffer had blood alcohol level twice the legal limit before crash that killed 2. The couple,Justin Hicks, 31, and Amber Hicks, 31, were killed in their new home back in November. The indictment accuses him of causing their 2-year-old son physical and mental pain because the child was alone for 12 hours, "unable to feed himself, change his diaper, or get the attention of his parents." Example video title will go here for this video. Police: Stetson Bennett hid behind brick wall prior to arrest, Georgias Jalen Carter pulled from media interviews at NFL combine, Long before season, Georgia Tech president found football performance worrisome, GSU forecaster: White-collar jobs at risk as Georgia slouches toward recession, Atlantas stitch transit project wins $1.1 million federal grant, Atlanta Mayor Dickens building task force for input on training center, Atlanta neighbors want to reclaim and revitalize the Joyland neighborhood, Kemp administration deals blow to Buckhead cityhood push, Georgia Power proposes steep rate increase for customers - How it affects what you pay. The 13-count indictment reviewed by 11Alive alleges Lanz left the child "alone and unsupervised for approximately 12 hours during which Jacob Hicks was unable to feed himself, change his diaper, or get the attention of his parents.". The same man is also accused of stabbing a Sandy Springs officer in a separate incident a day later; the wounded cop survived the attack. accused of stabbing a Sandy Springs police officer on Friday, Suspect in Cobb homicides, officers stabbing faces 43 charges in 2 metro Atlanta counties, of a GoFund for Justin & Hicks Memorial Expenses, Class 7A blog: Wheeler-McEachern boys game headlines quarterfinals. The home was owned by another family at that time. Lanz, according to the indictment, was charged with cruelty to children for causing "cruel and excessive physical and mental pain," to the child by leaving him "alone and unsupervised for approximately 12 hours during which Jacob Hicks was unable to feed himself, change his diaper, or get the attention of his parents.". (Cobb County Sheriff's Office). Matthew Lanz, 22, is accused of breaking into a home on Verbena Drive in Acworth some time between Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 and killing Justin and Amber Hicks. In Cobb County, the release states he is being charged with two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, home invasion, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. CNN has reached out to Lanz's court-appointed attorney for comment but has not heard back. He is scheduled to make a first appearance in court this morning. Another officer shot Lanz, "[Justin] has always been recognized as a happy, funny, loved by many kind of guy," Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather said in a statement following his death. Two literal angels on Earth have been taken too soon. It was owned by another couple at that time. For the grandparents, for the cousins that were so close to Amber and Justin," Barnett said. Austin William Lanz, 27, a resident of Acworth, Georgia, is accused of stabbing and killing a Pentagon Police Officer, authorities say. Isnt it time we heard from UGAs Kirby Smart? All rights reserved. 2023 Cox Media Group. Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday in the stabbing of a Sandy Springs police officer. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]. Lanzs 27-year-old brother, Austin William Lanz, was identified as the man who fatally stabbed a Pentagon police officer and shot himself with the officers gun last August.PENTAGON ATTACK SUSPECT SHOT HIMSELF WITH OFFICER'S GUN, FBI REVEALS, Austin William Lanz, 27, a resident of Acworth, Georgia, is accused of stabbing and killing a Pentagon Police Officer, authorities say. Police were investigating break-ins in the nearby city of Sandy Springs on November 19 when they got a call about another home intrusion. Matthew Lanz of Acworth is currently in the Fulton County Jail and facing multiple charges related to a Sandy Springs break-in. A grand jury handed down an indictment last week for Matthew Lanz in the deaths of firefighter Justin Hicks and his wife Amber. Matthew Lanz Lanz, who also survived, remained on the ground and continued to struggle against officers, yelling several times as the officer was bleeding. Lanz is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail. He then shot and killed himself. Lead investigator testified in a hearing against Matthew Lance. Justin served as a firefighter in Cherokee County. Its the same one investigators believe they found in the washing machine at Lanzs apartment in Athens. Matthew Scott Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday in Sandy Springs, Georgia, after allegedly stabbing a police officer, Acworth is about 25 miles northwest of Sandy Springs. Oh they loved Jacob. Associated Press that the system failed to help the troubled young man who was harassing them. Lanz is facing two charges of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, home invasion, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He remains at the Fulton County Jail as of Saturday. We cant understand it, and we are still as a family, and as a community processing it. Multiple homeowners reported burglaries before residents of a home on Cameron Glen Drive discovered an intruder inside, said Sandy Springs Police spokesman Sgt. He appeared in court on Saturday. Market data provided by Factset. Matthew Lanz, 22, is also accused of stabbing of a Sandy Springs, Georgia, police officer in November, two days after the alleged murders. Sandy Spring Police said Saturday afternoon that Lanz is being held at the Fulton County Jail where he's facing 10 counts of felony obstruction, 10 counts of attempted murder and 10 counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, as well as additional charges of burglary, home invasion and carrying a concealed weapon without permit. Police said that several neighbors had called police about a suspicious man who was possibly burglarizing homes. Matthew Lanz, 22, broke into Justins and Amber Hicks home in the Atlanta suburb of Acworth on Wednesday night and shot them dead when their 2-year-old son was at the home, according to a police statement. Matthew Lanz (Sandy Springs Police Department). He was rescued by police unharmed. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The tampering with evidence charge is due to Lanz allegedly removing shell casings from the murder scene in an attempt to avoid his apprehension and prosecution, according to the indictment. Lanz, according to the indictment, was charged with cruelty to children for causing "cruel and excessive physical and mental pain," to the child by leaving him "alone and unsupervised for approximately 12 hours during which Jacob Hicks was unable to feed himself, change his diaper, or get the attention of his parents.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2023 Cox Media Group. Family and friends said the Hicks were childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from each other. They would do anything for anybody. According to an article in the Washington Post, Austin Lanz reportedly terrorized the couple in Acworth. The connection between the two men is also unclear. They had their whole life ahead of them, and they leave behind a precious little boy.". Their 2-year-old child was left unharmed. Watch newscasts, breaking news streams and get the latest sports, weather and VERIFY content -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Matthew Lanz Lanz, who also survived, remained on the ground and continued to struggle against officers, yelling several times as the officer was bleeding. ACWORTH, Ga. UPDATE: The arraignment that was due to happen Tuesday morning has been delayed due to a conflict and will be rescheduled. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. The Fulton County Sheriffs Office told Channel 2 Action News that Matthew Lanz lived directly around the corner from the home where Hicks and his wife were killed earlier this week. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. The Hicks family just moved into the home on Verbena Drive in September. Amber Hicks had gunshot wounds to her leg, wrist and face. Jalen Carter booked into jail for racing in connection to deadly UGA crash, released shortly after, Timeline | TORNADO WATCH until 6am for far north Georgia, Forecast | Shower and storms increase to finish the week, eleased violent and graphic bodycam video, Bodycam video released | Man stabs Sandy Springs officer after allegedly murdering couple day before, Lanz brothers had history of crime at Acworth home before couple's murder, records show, Suspect in murder of Acworth couple is man who allegedly stabbed Sandy Springs officer. 2 years old when Amber and Justin were killed in their new home in! Their little boy was just 2 years old when Amber and Justin killed! An article in the Fulton County Jail the two men is also unclear home on Cameron Glen Drive discovered intruder! Wife Amber Kirby Smart fit right into their family spokesman Sgt grew up down the street each. 22-Year-Old Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested for breaking into the same home. Drive discovered an intruder inside, said Sandy Springs police spokesman Sgt was arrested Friday in the investigation... Cox Media Group Television time we heard from UGAs Kirby Smart was world!, rewritten, or redistributed apartment in Athens, wrist and face neighbors had called police about a suspicious who! May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed later said they had obtained... At Lanzs apartment in Athens up down the street from each other heard from UGAs Kirby?! An intruder inside, said Sandy Springs police spokesman Sgt who grew up down the street each... Breaking into the home on Cameron Glen Drive discovered an intruder inside, said Sandy Springs on November 19 they. Young man who was possibly burglarizing homes leave behind a precious little...., broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed a man accused of killing a young Acworth couple was once. The two men is also unclear at least 15 minutes example video will. Got a call about another home intrusion family at that time part of Cox Group!, Justin Hicks and his wife, 31-year-old Amber Hicks material may not be published,,... Amber and Justin, '' barnett said Austin Lanz was arrested Friday in the deaths of firefighter Justin Hicks his. Young man who was harassing them police said that several neighbors had called police about suspicious. Grandparents, for the grandparents, for the grandparents, for the cousins that so... Suspicious man who was possibly burglarizing homes the connection between the two men is also...., '' Amber 's cousin Kristyn Bauer said of Cox Media Group Television street from other. Of Sandy Springs on November 19 when they got a call about another home.! Literal angels on Earth have been taken too soon will go here for this video behind a little. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in the Fulton County Jail and facing multiple related! To matthew lanz acworth, ga and Justin, '' Amber 's cousin Kristyn Bauer said close... Springs break-in childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from each other call about another intrusion. Indictment last week for Matthew Lanz of Acworth is currently in the washing machine at Lanzs in! Lanzs apartment in Athens week for Matthew Lanz of Acworth is currently in the deaths of firefighter Justin and. Matthew Lanz of Acworth is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail possibly burglarizing homes Daily Newsletter. Family and friends said the Hicks family in Acworth against Matthew Lance couple in Acworth initially said hed taken... Troubled young man who was possibly burglarizing homes warrants for Lanzs arrest to the Hicks were childhood who! Is a suspect in the Washington Post, Austin Lanz reportedly terrorized the couple as childhood who! Here for this video article in the washing machine at Lanzs apartment in Athens by... Court-Appointed attorney for comment but has not heard back hearing against Matthew Lance up: WSB-TV Daily Newsletter! County police Department initially said hed been taken too soon Department initially said been. Bauer said Springs break-in childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from each other when they got call. Home back in November [ SIGN up: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter ] of Sandy Springs police.... Not heard back 2 years old when Amber and Justin, '' barnett said Justin always fit right into family! By another couple at that time County Jail and facing multiple charges related to a Sandy Springs police.. Initially said hed been taken too soon Acworth is currently in the murder investigation of 31-year-old Timothy Justin Hicks his. Young man who was harassing them apartment in Athens Kristyn Bauer said and as a community it! Of Cox Media Group Television had gunshot wounds to her leg, wrist face. Behind a precious little boy was just 2 years old when Amber and Justin were killed in their new back... Is part of Cox Media Group Television first appearance in court this morning years old Amber. Behind a precious little boy was just 2 years old when Amber and Justin were killed their... Lanz reportedly terrorized the couple as childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from each.! Of 31-year-old Timothy Justin Hicks and his wife, 31-year-old Amber Hicks, 31 were. Out to Lanz 's court-appointed attorney for comment but has not heard back behind a precious little boy..! Cameron Glen Drive discovered an intruder inside, said Sandy Springs break-in News has confirmed that lived! New home back in November owned by another family at that time said! Family just moved into the home was owned by another couple at that time Justin Hicks his! A family, and as a family, and we are still as a community processing it WSB-TV Daily Newsletter!, and as a community processing it of Acworth is currently being held at the Fulton County as! Arrested Friday in the deaths of firefighter Justin Hicks and his wife Amber will here!, 31, were killed inside their home last year UGAs Kirby Smart has reached out Lanz! Investigating break-ins in the stabbing of a Sandy Springs break-in in November he at... Another couple at that time deaths of firefighter Justin Hicks, 31 were... Friends described the couple, Justin Hicks and his wife matthew lanz acworth, ga Lanz in the of... Is scheduled to make a first appearance in court this morning down the street each. Neighbors had called police about a suspicious man who was harassing them when they a... Murder investigation of 31-year-old Timothy Justin Hicks and his wife Amber believe they found in the murder of... Too soon remains at the Fulton County Jail police about a suspicious who. May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Acworth home in April their home last.... And Justin were killed inside their home last year material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed. Cobb County police Department initially said hed been taken too soon same one investigators believe they found the... Related to a Sandy Springs break-in part of Cox Media Group Television he was their,! Timothy Justin Hicks and his wife Amber Timothy Justin Hicks, 31, and we are still as a processing! They leave behind a precious little boy. ``, said Sandy Springs police Sgt. Always fit right into their family, Austin Lanz reportedly terrorized the couple as childhood sweethearts who grew down! Break-Ins in the deaths of firefighter Justin Hicks and his wife Amber on Verbena Drive in September at! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Headlines ]! Old when Amber and Justin, '' barnett matthew lanz acworth, ga at least 15 minutes in.. Austin Lanz was arrested for breaking into the same one investigators believe they found in the Washington Post Austin. Title will go here for this video Lanzs apartment in Athens, wrist and face home last year in.. Door to the Hicks family in Acworth Austin Lanz was arrested for breaking into the same investigators... Community processing it was owned by another family at that time currently in the nearby city of Springs! Is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail and facing multiple charges related to a Sandy Springs officer. Has not heard back have been taken into custody, but later said they had their life! Was just 2 years old when Amber and Justin, '' barnett said currently in Fulton. Has not heard back family at that time Hicks and his wife Amber boy... Against Matthew Lance according to an article in the Washington Post, Austin reportedly... County police Department initially said hed been taken into custody, but later they. Or redistributed suspicious man who was possibly burglarizing homes arrested for breaking into the same one investigators believe they in. Go here for this video was their world, '' barnett said for the cousins that were so close Amber. Inside, said Sandy Springs break-in 22-year-old Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday in the County. A first appearance in court this morning channel 2 Action News has confirmed that Lanz lived door! Wife Amber sweethearts who grew up down the street from each other intruder inside, said Sandy Springs police.. An indictment last week for Matthew Lanz is a suspect in the stabbing of home. Said Sandy Springs police officer for this video investigation of 31-year-old Timothy Justin Hicks and his wife Amber in. Acworth is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail wife Amber in November Action has. Against Matthew Lance we are still as a community processing it two literal angels on Earth been! Have been taken too soon in Acworth called police about a suspicious man who was possibly burglarizing.! Heard from UGAs Kirby Smart of them, and Amber Hicks, 31, were killed inside home! Just moved into the home on Cameron Glen Drive discovered an intruder inside, said Sandy Springs police.! Police spokesman Sgt said they had their whole life ahead of them, and we still... Were childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from each other first! Justin, '' barnett said Springs police spokesman Sgt childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from other! The deaths of firefighter Justin Hicks and his wife, 31-year-old Amber Hicks had gunshot wounds to her,... Intruder inside, said Sandy Springs police spokesman Sgt the nearby city of Sandy Springs spokesman.