This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! "I hope that they can look him in the face, see justice served, and ultimately forgive him," Barnett said. Investigators say other officers shot at Lanz, hitting him twice. The families of Amber and Justin Hicks said this has been a hard year for them, coming to terms with what happened while bracing for the suspect to go on trial. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. 2023 Cox Media Group. Investigators say other officers shot at Lanz, hitting him twice. A month later in Acworth, Amber and Justin Hicks closed on the home on Verbena Drive that Austin Lanz was accused of breaking into. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The connection between the two men is also unclear. "It will be like reliving it over and over and over. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]. On November 18th, we woke up to a nightmare. Barnett said Justin always fit right into their family. Matthew Lanz, accused of stabbing a Sandy Springs police officer on Friday, has been charged in the deaths of a firefighter and his wife who were shot at their Cobb County home earlier in the week. Austin Lanz was later charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery of an officer for allegedly attacking deputies while being processed at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. 2023 FOX Television Stations, stabbing and wounding a police officer in neighboring Fulton County, fatally stabbed a Pentagon police officer, Tornado Watch issued for portions of north Georgia, 100% of homicides solved over last 2 years in Cobb County, police say, Boy, 16, found shot dead in Lawrenceville backyard, Clark Atlanta community holds vigil for student killed at Catholic center, Alex Murdaugh killed wife, son to buy time, prosecutor says, Hyundai, Kia owners sue over missing security feature, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Georgia elementary school principal charged with child cruelty, false imprisonment, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Georgia man vanishes while on Louisiana business trip. 11Alive reached out to the Cobb County District Attorney's Office for comment and has not heard back as of Thursday evening. A neighbor who asked to remain anonymous said the two were brothers. He remains at the Fulton County Jail as of Saturday. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Lanzs home on Delphinium Boulevard shares a backyard fence with the couples home. Video showed the man stabbing the officer in the back of the neck as he reached the bottom of a staircase. He was rescued by police unharmed. Their bodies were found in their home the following day. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Police said that several neighbors had called police about a suspicious man who was possibly burglarizing homes. The couple and their 2-year-old son shared a backyard fence with Lanz in Acworth, Lanz is also accused of evidence tampering for allegedly taking shell casings from the murder scene, among other charges. Example video title will go here for this video. They would do anything for anybody. 380 Shares A Georgia man suspected of killing a couple in their Acworth home has been arrested, but he didnt go down without a fight, according to police. The Sandy Springs Police Department confirmed Matthew Lanz is the younger brother of Austin William Lanz. 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. [RELATED: Firefighter and wife murdered inside their Cobb County home, ACWORTH, Ga. The man accused of stabbing a Sandy Springs police officer has also been arrested in the murders of a firefighter and his wife who were shot to death in Cobb County. 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. Home intruder shot by police after stabbing Sandy Springs officer multiple times. According to the GBI, when officers made contact with Lanz, "he suddenly attacked one of the officers, stabbing him repeatedly in the back and neck area.". Barnett said there have been frustrations as the case drags on, a year now, after their deaths. 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. Amber also served her community as an audiologist assistant who worked with seniors. Justin served as a firefighter in Cherokee County. In the murder of the Hicks, Cobb County Police said earlier this week the couple was believed to be shot to death and that they did not have evidence the suspect had stayed in the area. Its unclear what relationship, if any, Matthew Lanz had with the Hicks family and police have not determined a motive for their murders. 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, 'Childhood sweethearts' | Couple killed in Acworth home loved each other for most of their lives, described the couple as childhood sweethearts, Suspect who allegedly killed Pentagon officer previously attacked Cobb County deputies in jail, warrants state. "Two literal angels on earth have been taken too soon. Court records showed that Austin Lanz had open criminal cases in Cobb on several charges, including aggravated battery against an officer, terroristic threats and burglary. "Justin was a big guy, a big teddy bear! [RELATED: Firefighter and wife murdered inside their Cobb County home, toddler son found safe]. or redistributed. 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.". Its unclear what relationship, if any, Matthew Lanz had with the Hicks family and police have not released a motive for their slayings. And their baby was their world. Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday after police say he broke into a home in Sandy Springs and stabbed a police officer who responded. Lanz is also accused of stabbing a Sandy Springs officer in a separate incident a day later; the wounded cop survived the attack. 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. Lead investigator testified in a hearing against Matthew Lance A gun, a flashlight and ammunition are among the evidence Cobb County police collected from Lance's car and home. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The Hicks' 2-year-old son, Jacob, was at the home when his parents were found shot to death. Police said they found the couples 2-year-old son inside the home, but that he was unharmed and is now with family members. Police said Lanz shot and killed Cherokee County Two literal angels on Earth have been taken too soon. Channel 2 Action News has confirmed that Lanz lived next door to the Hicks family in Acworth. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, Seven passengers rushed to hospital after 'severe turbulence' on flight, Gabby Petito's family claim cop knew Laundrie was threat in lawsuit update, Jury inspect eerie Murdaugh murder scene where mom & son were executed, US Navy faces being totally outgunned by China in just seven years, says expert, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Justin Hicks (left) and his wife Amber (right) were found dead in November, Matthew Lanz (pictured) is accused of leaving their toddler with their bodies after killing them, Justin Hicks (pictured) was a Cherokee County firefighter, Family said Amber and Justin Hicks were childhood sweethearts, Credit: Facebook/Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, Body camera footage shows a violent confrontation with the suspect during his arrest. Market data provided by Factset. Matthew Lanz, the Hicks' neighbor, has been chargedwith the couples murder but their families said the build-up to his trial has been painful. 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." Lanz was last in court on Oct. 26 and does not have another court date scheduled in Cobb County. Matthew Scott Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday in Sandy Springs, Georgia, after allegedly stabbing a police officer, who was responding to a burglary in progress, according Lanz was shot twice by police when they encountered him in a home on Friday morning in Sandy Springs, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.GBI said he was treated at a hospital and later released into the custody of Sandy Springs Police. ACWORTH, Ga, (AP) Investigators say they believe a man charged with stabbing a suburban Atlanta police officer also shot and killed a firefighter and his wife in a neighboring county. 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 of Acworth is currently in the Fulton County Jail and facing multiple charges related to a Sandy Springs break-in. RELATED: 'Childhood sweethearts' | Couple killed in Acworth home loved each other for most of their lives. He was rescued by police unharmed. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Multiple homeowners reported burglaries before residents of a home on Cameron Glen Drive discovered an intruder inside, said Sandy Springs Police spokesman Sgt. 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. "Our Amber & Justin have been taken from us in such a senseless act," a GoFundMe for the family said. More than $69,000 was raised for the couple's funeral services and to help their son. Cobb police have since identified Lanz as the suspect in the fatal shootings of Justin Thompson Hicks and his wife, Amber Hicks, both 31. The homeowner at the time of the break-in, Phillip Brent, has told The Associated Press it was a culmination of a long harassment campaign against Brent and his then-fiancee. A grand jury handed down an indictment last week for Matthew Lanz in the deaths of firefighter Justin Hicks and his wife Amber. ACWORTH, Ga. An arraignment for a man accused of killing a young Acworth couple was delayed once again. According to warrants, Lanz assaulted multiple deputies, injuring two of them, as he was getting booked into jail. Suspect killed in stabbing/shooting near Pentagon Tuesday that killed police officer in D.C. is 27 year old Austin Lanz of Acworth. Jose also learned the timeline of the moments that led up to the murder. Suspect's brother broke into Acworth home before murder: Amber was found still sitting on the couch. At the time that Austin Lanz was killed, the previous owners of the home on Verbena Drive told the Associated Press that the system failed to help the troubled young man who was harassing them. Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday in the stabbing of a Sandy Springs police officer. Webis 22 years old and was born on 09/19/1999. CBS46 also just learned that the Sandy Springs officer has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home with his family. 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. The home was sold a few months later to Cherokee County firefighter Timothy Justin Hicks and Amber Hicks, both 31. At one point, Lanz had duct-taped a massive cardboard sign on the homes front door that said, cryptically, on one side: Im done wondering for real and Wut is the point of that on the other. Officials: Suspect in Cobb County murders, police stabbing is brother of suspect in Pentagon officer attack. The Cobb County Police Department said 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. Family members said they were childhood sweethearts, growing up down the street from each other. "It barely missed his brain, Sandy Springs Major Benjie Cain told local ABC affiliate WSB-TV. They are also asking residents that live in the vicinity to check their door bell cameras or exterior surveillance cameras for anyone suspicious captured Friday, Nov. 19 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.. RELATED: Suspect who allegedly killed Pentagon officer previously attacked Cobb County deputies in jail, warrants state. Matthew Lanz, 22, is also accused of stabbing of a Sandy Springs, Georgia, police officer in November, two days after the alleged murders. Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday in the stabbing of a Sandy Springs police officer. Sandy Springs Police said Friday the officer was "doing well" after treatment for the stabbing wounds. Many questions remain about the Cobb County killings. 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. ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) - Matthew Lanz has now been charged with the murders of an Acworth couple in their home on Wednesday night, according to the Cobb Their 2-year-old son was not injured. 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. He was a loving father, he served his community, a good Christian man, and he loves his little boy," he said. Matthew Lanz is jailed without bond in Fulton County, where he was arrested Nov. 19 in the stabbing of a Sandy Springs police officer who responded to a burglary report. The 22-year-old suspect and officer both survived their injuries with Lanz now facing 35 counts in connection with the confrontation. CBS46 has not confirmed the relationship between Austin Lanz and Matthew Lanz although a neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, says they were brothers. He was arrested at his home in April for breaking into neighbors home then charged with assaulting two Cobb deputies trying to book him into jail pic.twitter.com/XLqdBpBsm3. The break-in was the culmination of months of Austin Lanz sending harassing and threatening notes to the previous homeowners on Verbena Drive, according to the Associated Press. He then shot and killed himself. Credit: Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, An organizer of a GoFund for Justin & Hicks Memorial Expenses asks for support and prayers for this little boy & this family.. Above video: Your Tuesday headlinesMARIETTA, Ga. (AP) A Cobb County grand jury has indicted a man in the alleged killings of his new neighbors a firefighter and his wife and with cruelty to the slain couples toddler, who he allegedly left alone in the home for hours after the murders, news outlets reported.Matthew Lanz, 22, of Acworth, is Sal Ortega. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. In the video, a man is seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. It was owned by another couple at that time. I wish there was a better way to address those mental health issues that people have, said Phillip Brent, who described repeated harassment directed at himself and his then-fiancee. Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday after police say he broke into a home in Sandy Springs and stabbed a police officer who responded. And we also discovered ammunition.. (Cobb County Sheriff's Office). Amber and her husband Justin met as kids. Matthew Lanz, the Hicks' neighbor, has been charged with the couples murder but their families said the build-up to his trial has been painful. Their little boy was just 2 years old when Amber and Justin were killed inside their home last year. of Cobb County. Police arrested Matthew Lanz, 22, after he allegedly broke into another home in Sandy Springs on Friday. Unaware that they were dealing with a double murder suspect, responding officers are seen on video asking Lanz to come downstairs. Matthew Lanz is charged with 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. Their toddler was found at the home unhurt, but police say he was left with the bodies of his parents for up to 12 hours. COBB COUNTY, Ga. A grand jury has indicted a man following thedeaths of an Acworth couple last year. In addition, access background check reports The couple,Justin Hicks, 31, and Amber Hicks, 31, were killed in their new home back in November. Before the stabbing and shooting, other residents of the neighborhood reported a man was trying to break into their homes. It feels like it was just a clear failure of our system to help someone out who needed that help., Police say 2 found dead in Cobb County home were shot by unknown suspect Cobb police are investigating the homicide of a couple in their Acworth home. Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday after police say he broke into a home in Sandy Springs and stabbed a police officer who responded. The couple and their 2-year-old son shared a backyard fence with Lanz in Acworth, Georgia, a town located northwest of Atlanta. Justin Hicks worked with Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services for more than six years, police said. joined the AJC in 2002 as a features writer. A Cobb County grand jury has indicted a man in the alleged killings of his new neighbors a firefighter and his wife and with cruelty to the slain couples toddler, who he allegedly left alone in the home for hours after the murders, according to reports. Our Amber & Justin have been taken from us in such a senseless act. Matthew Lanz, 22, was shot twice by officers in Sandy Springs on Friday. While in custody, police identified Matthew Lanz as the same person who burglarized a home and fatally shot Justin and Amber Hicks, both 31, in Acworth the day before. The officer who was stabbed has since recovered and returned to duty, WSB-TV reported.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPSandy 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.Charges in Cobb County include tampering with evidence for allegedly removing shell casings from the murder scene, WAGA-TV reported. He is accused of murdering his neighbors. COBB COUNTY, Ga. A gun, ammunition, tactical backpack and a flash built to break glass are among the items police seized from a college student accused of killing a firefighter and his wife. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. The girl could sing, it was amazing," he said. Matthew Lanz of Acworth was being held at the Fulton County Jail facing multiple charges related to a Sandy Springs break-in. Example video title will go here for this video. Channel 2s Chris Jose was the only reporter in a Cobb County courtroom on Wednesday to hear the testimony from a Cobb police detective. Prior to encountering Lanz at a home on Cameron Glen Drive, Sandy Springs PD said multiple residents in the area called police to report home intrusions. Thursday, Sandy Springs Police released violent and graphic bodycam video showing the stabbing. Matthew Lanz, accused of stabbing a Sandy Springs police officer on Friday, has been charged in the deaths of a firefighter and his wife who were shot at their Cobb "[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. Example video title will go here for this video. Matthew Lanz is accused of killing Justin and Amber Hicks in their Acworth home on Nov. 17. Their 2-year-old child was left unharmed. The home was owned by another family at that time. BREAKING: Georgia linebacker Jalen Carter booked, released from Athens-Clarke County Jail, Man accused of stabbing Sandy Springs officer now linked to Acworth couple murder, Paulding County deputy fired after body-slamming man into the ground, Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter booked, released from jail, Matties Call issued for 26-year-old Clayton County man, Atlanta Womens Chorus celebrating 10 years with special performance, Sign up for Atlanta News First Newsletters, According to an article in the Washington Post. In Sandy Springs, he faces 35 counts, including 10 each of felony obstruction, aggravated assault on a police officer and attempted murder on a police officer. Fox News Flash top headlines for February 21, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported, fatally stabbed a Pentagon police officer. Police say he stabbed an officer who "Emotionally, very difficult. "She sang like an angel. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Justin was a firefighter in Cherokee County and was excited about recently finishing a paramedic training program. Additionally, police confirmed Matthew Lanz is the brother of Austin Lanz, a 27-year-old man who was shot and killed by law enforcement in Washington, D.C. in August after stabbing a Pentagon Police officer to death. Family and friends described the couple as childhood sweethearts who grew up down the street from each other. Prior to being arrested for entering the home, Austin Lanz had been given a warning for allegedly "leaving inappropriate photographs and notes in the mailbox of said victim's residence.". 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. ACWORTH, Ga. The families of Amber and Justin Hicks are calling for justice one year after the Acworth couple was killed in their home with their 2-year-old inside. Lanz reportedly stabbed a Sandy Springs police officer multiple times during the confrontation. Matthew Lanz Lanz, who also survived, remained on the ground and continued to struggle against officers, yelling several times as the officer was bleeding. Stannard said Justin Hicks had gunshot wounds to his head, shoulder and torso. A TODDLER was left with the bodies of his mom and firefighter dad for hours after an intruder killed the couple, according to police. Amber Hicks had gunshot wounds to her leg, wrist and face. Records show Lanz was a resident of a neighboring property to the house where Justin and Amber Hicks were found killed in their home on Thursday. Austin William Lanz, 27, a resident of Acworth, Georgia, is accused of stabbing and killing a Pentagon Police Officer, authorities say. The Cobb County Police Department initially said hed been taken into custody, but later said they had just obtained warrants for Lanzs arrest. 2023 Cox Media Group. Associated Press that the system failed to help the troubled young man who was harassing them. Stream it faster with our re-designed 11Alive+ app onRoku and Amazon Fire TV. Staff writer Tyler Wilkins and data specialist Jennifer Peebles contributed to this report. ACWORTH, GA Authorities in Georgia arrested a 22-year-old suspect accused of stabbing a Sandy Springs Police officer multiple times in November who is also accused of having killed a firefighter and their wife one day prior to the stabbing incident.. On November 18th at approximately 9:30 a.m., police in Cobb County discovered the bodies of Justin served as a firefighter in Cherokee County. The man accused in the couple's deaths also allegedly stabbed a cop before being shot in a scuffle that was caught in body camera footage. Lanz is facing two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, home invasion and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, Cobb police said.