Susan Hickman, a 59-year-old resident of Stockton, California, was tragically found dead on May 22, 2019. Her death was discovered after her co-workers reported her missing when she failed to show up for work for several days. Authorities conducted a welfare check at her home on East Cherokee Road, where they found her body. The investigation revealed that Susan Hickman had died from gunshot wounds.
The case was initially handled by the Stockton Police Department but was later transferred to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.
The primary suspect in Susan Hickman's death was her husband, Alan Wayne Hickman. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and the intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury. During the investigation, it was uncovered that Alan Hickman had used a revolver to kill his wife. The revolver, found at the scene, had two spent shell casings, indicating it had been recently fired. Alan Hickman admitted to the crime during the initial police investigation.
The legal proceedings against Alan Wayne Hickman were extensive. He was held without bail and faced trial for the murder of his wife. In October 2020, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder. The jury also upheld the allegations that he had personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, causing great bodily injury or death. Alan Hickman was sentenced to an aggregate term of 50 years to life in state prison. His defense argued for a lesser sentence and raised issues regarding the trial court's instructions to the jury and the imposition of various fines and fees without assessing his ability to pay. However, these arguments were ultimately rejected, and the conviction was upheld on appeal.
The case of Susan Hickman's murder highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the legal system's efforts to bring justice to the victims. The investigation and subsequent trial were marked by the diligent work of law enforcement and the judicial system to ensure that the perpetrator was held accountable for his actions.
