Person of interest in Duncan murder has violent past

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Remains found on Myland Avenue in October were identified as those of 23-year-old Joshua Duncan. FOX10 wanted to find out more about the person of interest police named in the case.

Dennis Hicks served 25 years in prison for a double murder in Mississippi.

The headline of a 1979 Waynesboro, Mississippi newspaper story reads "Two suspects charged in murder and robbery."

Sheriff Marvin Farrior said Dennis Hicks was hitchhiking with a 6-year-old boy from Mobile to Mississippi when two young men picked them up.

"Dennis had a pistol. He pulled a gun on the boys and made them get out of the car. He raised the trunk of the car, locked it down and started walking away," said Farrior.

However, when Hicks turned back, it turned deadly. Farrior said Hicks and his friend came back to the car when they realized the drivers could identify them if they were ever caught.

"He began to shoot the boys in the trunk of the car and the other boy began to stab them with a knife and killed both of the boys. They locked the trunk back down and headed back and tried to hitch back to Mobile," said Farrior.

A bullet found in the body matched Hicks' pistol, and the two were later convicted for the double murder. Hicks was sentenced to two life sentences and served 25 years.

While in jail, Farrior said Hicks' good behavior may have led to an early release. His home in Semmes shows he was very open about his faith. There is a cross posted in the middle of the yard with "King of Kings" written across it. Hicks reached out to the former Sheriff while in jail.

"Later on, he wrote me a letter wanting me to write a letter on his behalf. He said he found religion and wanted me to help him, which I never did reply to that letter," said Farrior.

Investigators have Hicks in custody now for a parole violation. He's being questioned about the death of 23-year-old Joshua Duncan. Authorities believe Hicks was the last person to see Duncan alive.

Authorities said they are conducting an in-depth investigation into his past and are very interested in his activities since his 2007 release from prison. Authorities also said Hicks is refusing to talk about the Duncan case.