Resolution and Closure of the 2007 Murder of Carrie Hicks in Acworth, New Hampshire

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce, on behalf of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, the successful resolution of a renewed investigation into the murder of Carrie Hicks in Acworth, New Hampshire. The investigation has identified Wayne Ring as the perpetrator in the death of Ms. Hicks, and the case will be formally closed and classified as solved. Wayne Ring died on May 26, 2012, at the age of 57.

"We hope that the conclusion of this investigation brings a measure of clarity and peace to the loved ones of Carrie Hicks," said Attorney General Formella. "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."

The family of Carrie Hicks made the following statement regarding the closure: "We deeply appreciate the State of New Hampshire reopening Carrie's case and resolving it. Carrie is greatly missed."

On the morning of February 24, 2007, the New Hampshire State Police were dispatched to a small, rural home at 146 Beryl Mountain Road in Acworth following a 911 call from Ring's friend who discovered the scene. Upon entering the residence, troopers found 25-year-old Carrie Hicks deceased on a living room sofa, having suffered two gunshot wounds to her head. Across the room on another sofa, 51-year-old Wayne Ring was found alive but injured from a single gunshot wound to his head.

Through a comprehensive investigation involving crime scene analysis, a reconstruction of the shooting sequence, and numerous witness interviews, investigators learned that Ms. Hicks and Mr. Ring had openly discussed suicide and formed a "pact." Witness testimony revealed that Ms. Hicks had specifically instructed Mr. Ring to shoot her twice so she would not be left alive. A 2026 review of the autopsy report by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie Duval, combined with a forensic reconstruction of bloodstain patterns, demonstrated that the first gunshot wound Ms. Hicks suffered was a contact wound that would have caused immediate incapacitation. This evidence established that it was medically and physically impossible for Ms. Hicks to have fired the subsequent second shot. The evidence demonstrates beyond a reasonable doubt that Ms. Hicks could not have inflicted either injury on herself, and that Mr. Ring shot and killed Ms. Hicks before turning the gun on himself in an attempted suicide.

Based on all available evidence, the Attorney General has concluded that there would have been sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr. Ring for First Degree Murder. The investigation concluded that Mr. Ring purposely caused the death of Ms. Hicks, and that his actions were deliberate and premeditated.

Because Mr. Ring is deceased, criminal charges cannot be brought. However, based on the findings gathered by the NH Cold Case Unit, the investigation is officially closed and marked as solved.