The Minds of Madness - True Crime Stories Episode 308 - Blood Brothers - The Murder of Justin and Amber Hicks
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Mar 8, 2026 Timothy Hicks, father of Justin and retired Cherokee County police officer, shares first-person accounts of finding the crime scene and speaking for his family. He recounts discovering the home’s hidden history and the terrifying discovery of Justin and Amber. Short sentences highlight the break-in, the toddler’s heartbreaking actions, the investigation linking a neighbor, and the courtroom impact statements.
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Neighbor Harassment Escalated To Violent Break In
- Philip and Eliza experienced escalating harassment from neighbor Austin Lance that included pornographic mail, a toy left in the mailbox, and voyeuristic claims he could see Eliza through her bathroom window.
- The harassment culminated in a crowbar break-in captured on their security camera where Austin searched rooms for 13 minutes before arrest and later attacked deputies in jail.
New Owners Unaware House Had Troubled Past
- Justin and Amber found and moved into 5059 Verbena Drive in September 2021 without knowing the prior owners had fled due to neighbor terror; Austin Lance had died weeks earlier.
- They toddler-proofed the home and lived there 73 days before the murders occurred.
Grandfather Found Scene And Child Cuddled With Parents
- Timothy Hicks discovered broken glass and then saw Justin and Amber through a window, concluding they were dead and calling 911, which led to officers clearing the scene.
- Their two-year son had blood-soaked pajamas and later crawled into his parents' laps, bringing toys to try to wake them.