In a quiet home in the Rancho El Dorado area of Maricopa, Arizona, a domestic argument escalated into a fatal encounter. Anthony Hicks, a 52-year-old Black male, was at the center of a dispute with his son, Julius Hicks. The verbal disagreement moved through the house, culminating at the doorway of the bedroom shared by Julius and his brother, Demitrious Hicks.
As the argument intensified, Anthony attempted to force his way into the room.
Julius struggled to keep the door closed, but his father managed to push it partially open. In that moment, the conflict took a tragic turn. A single gunshot echoed in the room. Julius then saw his brother, Demitrious, holding a handgun. According to Demitrious's later statement to the police, he had drawn his weapon when he saw his father lunge at Julius. He claimed that Anthony then moved toward him in an attempt to grab the gun, at which point Demitrious fired his Ruger 9mm handgun once, aiming at his father.
The bullet struck Anthony Hicks in the left side of his torso. Emergency services were called to the residence on West Duncan Drive, and he was transported to Chandler Regional Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead at 8:29 p.m. The police investigation began, and they interviewed both sons, as well as Anthony's cousin who had called 911.
Following their investigation and based on the statements provided, police arrested Demitrious Hicks. He was subsequently charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with his father's death. Investigators recovered the handgun, a magazine, and a cartridge casing from the home. The police noted in their reports that while Anthony Hicks had provoked the altercation by attempting to force his way into his sons' bedroom, Demitrious had intentionally fired the weapon, knowing it could cause serious injury or death.
