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Judge Finds Matthew Lanz Guilty in 2021 Murders of Georgia Firefighter and Wife

Sentencing is set for Friday morning following a bench trial that weighed forensic evidence alongside contested mental‑health claims.

Overview

  • Cobb County Judge Sonja N. Brown convicted Matthew Scott Lanz on all counts after he waived a jury, with sentencing scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday.
  • Prosecutors presented DNA links, firearm analysis, and surveillance video placing Lanz around the Hicks’ home on the night of the shootings.
  • The couple’s 2‑year‑old son was discovered the next morning covered in blood, and the indictment alleges he was left alone for about 12 hours.
  • Lanz was arrested the day after the killings following an alleged Sandy Springs break‑in during which a police officer was stabbed and another officer shot and wounded him.
  • The defense highlighted schizophrenia and delusional beliefs, but the court had previously found Lanz competent to stand trial, and testimony referenced prior family violence including his brother’s fatal Pentagon attack.