OH v. Paul Hicks
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.
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March 2026 — 1 developments
Paul Hicks Appeals Murder Conviction, Citing Media Coverage and Insufficient Evidence
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
Paul Hicks has 30 days to appeal or request new trial after sentencing
Paul Hicks has a 30-day window from his sentencing date to appeal the court's decision or request a new trial.
Ohio Attorney General Yost comments on Paul Hicks' sentencing in 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.
Paul Hicks used mask and wig to impersonate ex-wife, frame ex-girlfriend in 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.
Judge James Conway notes Hicks' lack of remorse during sentencing
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.'
Paul Hicks sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for murder and kidnapping
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
Jury finds Paul Hicks guilty of murder and 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.
Friend witnessed 2001 Regina Hicks murder, 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.
Paul Hicks' two-week jury trial begins in Huron County
A two-week jury trial for Paul Hicks began in Huron County.
April 2025 — 2 developments
Paul Hicks indicted on murder and kidnapping charges in Huron County
Paul Hicks was indicted on charges including three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping in Huron County Common Pleas Court.
Paul Hicks arrested by Ohio BCI and U.S. Marshals Service 24 years after Regina Rowe-Hicks' death
Paul Hicks was arrested by the Ohio BCI and U.S. Marshals Service, nearly 24 years after Regina Rowe-Hicks' death.
January 2023 — 1 developments
Ohio BCI and Huron County Sheriff's Office re-evaluate cold case
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
Regina Rowe-Hicks' Death Becomes Cold Case Due to Lack of Leads
The investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death became a cold case due to a lack of immediate leads.
October 2001 — 4 developments
Ohio BCI assists Huron County Sheriff's Office in Regina Rowe-Hicks death investigation
Authorities launched an investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) assisting the Huron County Sheriff's Office.
Regina Rowe-Hicks Found Dead in Submerged Chevrolet Camaro in Willard, Ohio
Regina Rowe-Hicks' white Chevrolet Camaro was found submerged in a pond in Willard, Ohio, with her body inside.
Paul Hicks files for divorce from Regina Rowe-Hicks
Paul Hicks filed for divorce from Regina Rowe-Hicks.
Regina Rowe-Hicks last seen leaving boyfriend's home to pick up son
Regina Rowe-Hicks, 25, was last seen alive after leaving her boyfriend's home to pick up her son.