The tragic and mysterious murder of Regina Rowe-Hicks, which went unsolved for over two decades, has now reached a resolution with the conviction of her estranged husband, Paul Hicks. Here’s an overview of the case and its developments:
The Disappearance and Discovery of Regina Rowe-Hicks
In October 2001, Regina Rowe-Hicks, a 25-year-old mother, went missing after she failed to pick up her 4-year-old son, Montana, from her estranged husband’s friend’s home in Huron County, Ohio. The following day, her estranged husband, Paul Hicks, filed for divorce and sought full custody of their son, which raised suspicions among those who knew Regina.
Four days after she was reported missing, Regina’s body was discovered in the passenger seat of her car at the bottom of a pond near Townline Road 12 and Section Line Road 30. Authorities quickly determined she had been killed due to blunt force trauma to her head, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Initial Investigation and Lack of Evidence
Despite initially questioning Paul Hicks, there was not enough evidence to arrest him or any other suspects. Paul claimed Regina had been unstable and suicidal, but police found no supporting evidence for these claims. Although some DNA evidence was recovered at the crime scene, it wasn’t sufficient to directly link Paul to the murder. As a result, the case went cold.
Regina’s family remained suspicious of Paul Hicks, with her cousin, Angela Rowe, stating they “knew it all along,” but had no concrete proof to substantiate their belief. For over 20 years, the case remained unsolved.
Breakthrough and Arrest
In 2025, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) reopened the case with the help of a cold case team. The investigation was re-energized when Paul Hicks’ friend came forward and confessed to knowing that Paul had killed Regina. The friend later testified against Paul, revealing critical information that led to the arrest of Paul Hicks.
Paul was charged with three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping. On December 19, 2025, after a trial, Paul was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He is currently appealing his conviction.
The Impact of Regina’s Death
Regina’s cousin, Lisa Hersha, described her as a vibrant, happy woman before her relationship with Paul Hicks took a toll on her, leaving her more silent and subdued. By 2001, Regina had separated from Paul and was living with a new boyfriend. However, Paul’s controlling and abusive behavior continued to affect her life, leading to her eventual tragic death.
Legal Outcome
The trial and conviction brought justice to Regina’s family after 24 years of waiting for answers. Paul Hicks will spend the rest of his life in prison for his actions. The case was revisited in the 20/20 episode “The Secret in the Water,” which aired on May 1, 2025, shedding new light on the details of the investigation and its impact on Regina’s loved ones.
Closing Thoughts
The case of Regina Rowe-Hicks serves as a reminder of the deep scars caused by domestic abuse and the prolonged fight for justice. Regina’s family, though still mourning her loss, has found some sense of closure with her killer’s conviction.
