OH v. Paul Hicks

Reference TimelineLast updated MAR 28
SUMMARY

Paul Hicks was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison on January 9, 2026, in Huron County Common Pleas Court for the 2001 murder and kidnapping of his ex-wife, Regina Hicks. As of March 2026, Hicks has filed an appeal with the Sixth District Court of Appeals, challenging his conviction and sentence, citing extensive media coverage and insufficient evidence. Hicks was found guilty on December 19, 2025, after a two-week jury trial, with prosecutors detailing his elaborate schemes, including impersonating his ex-wife with a custom mask and wig. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost commented on the sentencing, stating that "truth has no expiration date" for the cold case murder.

Timeline

Want updates on this thread?

Track this story

March 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Paul Hicks has filed an appeal challenging his conviction and sentence for the 2001 murder and kidnapping of his ex-wife.

    Paul Hicks has filed an appeal challenging his conviction and sentence for the 2001 murder and kidnapping of his ex-wife. The Sixth District Court of Appeals began reviewing the case in March 2026. The defense argues that extensive media coverage may have compromised his right to a fair trial and that the evidence was insufficient to prove intent.

January 2026 — 5 developments

  1. Paul Hicks has a 30-day window from his sentencing date to appeal the court's decision or request a new trial.

    Paul Hicks has a 30-day window from his sentencing date to appeal the court's decision or request a new trial.

  2. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost commented on Paul Hicks' sentencing, stating that 'truth has no expiration date' for the 2001 cold case murder.

    Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost commented on Paul Hicks' sentencing, stating that 'truth has no expiration date' for the 2001 cold case murder. Prosecutors also detailed that Hicks kidnapped his ex-wife, knocked her out, and drove her car into a pond, causing her death.

  3. Prosecutors revealed that Paul Hicks used elaborate schemes, including a custom mask and wig, to impersonate his ex-wife and frame his ex-girlfriend in an arson case.

    Prosecutors revealed that Paul Hicks used elaborate schemes, including a custom mask and wig, to impersonate his ex-wife and frame his ex-girlfriend in an arson case. This information was presented during his sentencing for the 2001 murder.

  4. Huron County Common Pleas Court Judge James Conway noted Hicks' lack of remorse during sentencing, stating he 'roamed free for the last quarter of a century.

    Huron County Common Pleas Court Judge James Conway noted Hicks' lack of remorse during sentencing, stating he 'roamed free for the last quarter of a century.'

  5. Paul Hicks was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison (15 years to life for murder and 10 years for kidnapping, to be served consecutively).

    Paul Hicks was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison (15 years to life for murder and 10 years for kidnapping, to be served consecutively).

December 2025 — 3 developments

  1. After less than three hours of deliberation, a jury found Paul Hicks guilty on all counts: three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping.

    After less than three hours of deliberation, a jury found Paul Hicks guilty on all counts: three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping.

  2. During the trial for the 2001 cold case murder of Regina Hicks, prosecutors revealed that a friend witnessed the entire incident but remained silent for two decades.

    During the trial for the 2001 cold case murder of Regina Hicks, prosecutors revealed that a friend witnessed the entire incident but remained silent for two decades.

April 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Paul Hicks was indicted on charges including three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping in Huron County Common Pleas Court.

    Paul Hicks was indicted on charges including three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping in Huron County Common Pleas Court.

January 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Renewed efforts or a breakthrough in evidence likely led to a re-evaluation of the cold case by the Ohio BCI and Huron County Sheriff's Office.

    Renewed efforts or a breakthrough in evidence likely led to a re-evaluation of the cold case by the Ohio BCI and Huron County Sheriff's Office.

January 2002 — 1 developments

  1. The investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death became a cold case due to a lack of immediate leads.

    The investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death became a cold case due to a lack of immediate leads.

October 2001 — 4 developments

  1. Authorities launched an investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) assisting the Huron County Sheriff's Office.

    Authorities launched an investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) assisting the Huron County Sheriff's Office.

  2. Regina Rowe-Hicks' white Chevrolet Camaro was found submerged in a pond in Willard, Ohio, with her body inside.

    Regina Rowe-Hicks' white Chevrolet Camaro was found submerged in a pond in Willard, Ohio, with her body inside.

  4. Regina Rowe-Hicks, 25, was last seen alive after leaving her boyfriend's home to pick up her son.

    Regina Rowe-Hicks, 25, was last seen alive after leaving her boyfriend's home to pick up her son.