CONCORD, N.H. - Authorities in New Hampshire say they have solved a nearly two-decade-old cold case involving the killing of a young woman.
The backstory:
On the morning of Feb. 24, 2007, New Hampshire State Police responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at a rural home in Acworth. Inside, troopers found 25-year-old Carrie Hicks dead on a living room sofa with two gunshot wounds to the head.
A 51-year-old man, Wayne Ring, was discovered across the room on another sofa, alive but suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators said a detailed review of the case — including crime scene analysis, a reconstruction of the shooting, and witness interviews — found that Hicks and Ring had discussed suicide and formed a "pact."
Witnesses told authorities that Hicks had instructed Ring to shoot her twice so she would not be left alive.
A 2026 reexamination of the autopsy by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie Duval, along with bloodstain pattern analysis, determined the first gunshot wound was a contact wound that would have immediately incapacitated Hicks.
That finding made it medically and physically impossible for her to have fired a second shot. Authorities concluded the evidence shows beyond a reasonable doubt that Hicks did not inflict her injuries and that Ring shot and killed her before turning the gun on himself in an attempted suicide.
Based on the evidence, the Attorney General determined there would have been sufficient grounds to charge Ring with first-degree murder.
Investigators concluded he intentionally caused Hicks’ death and that the killing was deliberate and premeditated.
Ring died on May 26, 2012, at the age of 57.
What they're saying:
"We hope that the conclusion of this investigation brings a measure of clarity and peace to the loved ones of Carrie Hicks," Attorney General Formella said in a news release. "This resolution underscores the commitment of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit. By thoroughly re-examining the forensic evidence, witness statements, and autopsy records, our investigators have finally established the truth behind this tragic loss of life."
Carrie Hicks’ family said they are grateful the case was reopened and resolved, adding, "We deeply appreciate the State of New Hampshire reopening Carrie’s case and resolving it. Carrie is greatly missed."
What's next:
Because Ring is deceased, prosecutors cannot file charges.
However, officials said the findings of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit allow the case to be formally closed and classified as solved.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line for free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide and CLICK HERE for more on the 988 Lifeline.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a news release issued by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and findings from the state’s Cold Case Unit. This story was reported from Los Angeles.