Man Accused Of Killing Cherokee Firefighter, Wife Shot Them Multiple Times, Warrants Say

COBB COUNTY, GA — A Cherokee County firefighter and his wife were found shot dead in their Acworth home Thursday, and the man suspected of killing them is accused of breaking into their home and shooting them multiple times before fleeing.

Matthew Lanz, 22, was arrested Friday and charged in connection with a string of Sandy Springs burglaries and stabbing, including 10 counts of attempted murder on a police officer, during which he reportedly stabbed an officer before being shot by police.

Cobb County police also connected him to the killings of Cherokee firefighter Timothy Justin Hicks and his wife Amber. According to warrants obtained by WSB-TV, Lanz — who lived next door and shared a backyard fence with the couple — broke into a rear window of the house before shooting them multiple times.

Their 2-year-old son, who was also in the home, was unharmed and is with family members.

Related:

• 1 Arrested After Cherokee Firefighter, Wife Found Dead In Home
• Stabbed Officer, Shot Burglary Suspect Taken To Hospital: Police
• Funeral Set For Cherokee Firefighter, Wife Tuesday In Woodstock

Police say Lanz's motive is unclear. His older brother, Austin Lanz, was previously arrested for breaking into the same home occupied by the Hickses in April, when the home was under different ownership, WSB-TV reported. Austin Lanz stabbed a Pentagon police officer to death in August and was shot and killed as a result, Patch previously reported.

In addition to Lanz's charges related to the Sandy Springs crimes, he also faces two counts of felony murder; two counts of felony aggravated assault with a weapon; first degree burglary home invasion; and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the Hicks family killings.

He is currently being held in the Fulton County jail. It's not clear when he will be transferred to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Hicks' memorial expenses and to help with the costs of raising their son. To donate, visit this link.

A funeral for the Hicks couple will take place Tuesday at 1 p.m. at His Hands Church in Woodstock.

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