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Judge Denies Plea to Clear Domestic Violence Convictions
22 Aug
Summary
- Ex-partner's domestic violence convictions were not dismissed.
- Prosecution cited an interview challenging sobriety claims.
- Actress's death occurred three days after the hearing.
Brian Hickerson's second attempt to overturn his felony domestic violence convictions related to Hayden Panettiere was unsuccessful. On August 13, 2026, a Los Angeles judge denied his petition. Prosecutors opposed the request, highlighting a May interview where they contended Hickerson appeared under the influence of a stimulant, contradicting his claims of sobriety.
The court also considered two incidents from August 2025 involving law enforcement. One led to an arrest for being under the influence of a controlled substance, for which Hickerson later completed judicial diversion and the charge was dismissed. Despite this, the prosecution argued the prior arrests demonstrated continued drug use.
Hickerson had pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of corporal injury. His first petition to dismiss these convictions was denied in July 2025, with the court requiring a one-year wait before reapplying. He filed his second petition on July 20, 2026.
Tragically, Panettiere died at age 36 in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16, 2026, three days after the hearing. Her death is currently under investigation, with authorities not yet establishing a connection to the court proceedings.
