On January 24, 2025, a Comal County jury sentenced Yacob Hickman to life in prison for the murder of his father. Judge Bruce Boyer of the 22nd District Court presided over the trial.
The crime occurred on June 29, 2022, when Comal County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call from Hickman at approximately 12:08 a.m. During the call, Hickman admitted to shooting his father, stating, “I can’t say that I’m sorry” and “To be honest with you, I feel so [expletive] great.” He remained on the call for over 20 minutes, acknowledging his actions and their consequences.
Deputies arrived to find the victim, a 51-year-old man, deceased on the couch with six gunshot wounds to the neck and head. The investigation revealed the victim was eating a salad at the time of the shooting. Hickman had moved to Canyon Lake from Louisiana only a week prior at his father’s encouragement to find better job opportunities.
During the trial, the jury heard the 911 call and testimony from Comal County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a crime scene technician. Prosecutors also presented recordings of jailhouse phone calls in which Hickman admitted he shot his father after a simple conversation escalated, claiming the victim “kept on wanting to run his [expletive] mouth.” In a call to his mother, Hickman stated, “The most important thing is that if I ever did get out of here, what guarantees me from ever getting stuck in positions that would cause me to come back?”
Family members gave emotional statements during sentencing, highlighting the senselessness of the crime and the victim’s efforts to help his son succeed.
Assistant District Attorneys Jennifer Feldman and Henna Le Vasseur prosecuted the case, supported by Victim Assistance Coordinators Dana Leopold and Angela Sky and DA Investigator Ashley Eicher. Special recognition was given to Donna Dishman and her canine partner, Gander, of Canine Classmates.
The life sentence provides a measure of justice for the victim’s family and ensures the safety of the community.
