OH v. Paul Hicks
Paul Hicks was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the 2001 murder and kidnapping of his ex-wife, Regina Rowe-Hicks. The case remained unsolved for nearly 24 years before Hicks' arrest in April 2025, followed by his conviction in December 2025 and sentencing in January 2026. He currently has a 30-day window to appeal his conviction or sentence.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this story2026
5 updates
2026
5 updatesPaul Hicks has a 30-day window from his sentencing date to appeal the court's decision or request a new trial.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
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.
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.
via youtube.com
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.'
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
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).
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
2025
5 updates
2025
5 updatesAfter less than three hours of deliberation, a jury found Paul Hicks guilty on all counts: three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
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.
via youtube.com
A two-week jury trial for Paul Hicks began in Huron County.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
Paul Hicks was indicted on charges including three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping in Huron County Common Pleas Court.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
Paul Hicks was arrested by the Ohio BCI and U.S. Marshals Service, nearly 24 years after Regina Rowe-Hicks' death.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
2023
1 update
2023
1 updateRenewed 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.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
2002
1 update
2002
1 updateThe investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death became a cold case due to a lack of immediate leads.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
2001
4 updates
2001
4 updatesAuthorities launched an investigation into Regina Rowe-Hicks' death, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) assisting the Huron County Sheriff's Office.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
Regina Rowe-Hicks' white Chevrolet Camaro was found submerged in a pond in Willard, Ohio, with her body inside.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
Paul Hicks filed for divorce from Regina Rowe-Hicks.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
Regina Rowe-Hicks, 25, was last seen alive after leaving her boyfriend's home to pick up her son.
via youtube.com·courttv.com·youtube.com·wkyc.com·thecourier.com
Story began · 24 years, 9 mo ago