Trial likely in murder case

NORWALK — A pretrial hearing was hosted Thursday in Huron County Common Pleas Court for Paul Hicks, 50, the Sandusky man charged in the 2001 disappearance and death of his ex-wife, Regina Rowe Hicks. Judge James Conway scheduled the next pretrial for Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m., as attorneys indicated the case is tracking toward a December trial. Hicks was indicted in April on three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping in connection with Regina's Oct. 18, 2001 disappearance. She was last seen leaving her boyfriend's home to pick up her son. Her white Chevrolet Camaro was discovered submerged in a Willard area pond four days later, with her body inside. Plea not on the table? Assistant Ohio Attorney General Dan Kasaris acting as a special prosecutor in the case, told the court there have been no substantive discussions about resolving the case short of trial. "There have been no plea negotiations," Kasaris said. When Judge Conway asked whether the state would be open to such discussions, Kasaris replied, "The state is always open to plea negotiations." Defense signals intent to proceed to trial Hicks' attorney, Anthony Rich, reiterated his client's position that a negotiated resolution is not anticipated. "It is my understanding the court has set Dec. 9, and barring any unforeseen catastrophic event, we are going to trial," Rich said. Conway confirmed the court's calendar has been cleared to accommodate the expected trial. The Nov. 24 pretrial should address any remaining motions, discovery issues or scheduling matters ahead of jury selection. Hicks remains in custody in Huron County Jail.