Christopher McDougal, the man charged in connection with hitting and killing late District Court Judge Larry Hicks has pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter.
McDougal is currently serving 30 days up front in Washoe County Jail as part of his plea. He has also been sentenced to 180 days in Washoe County, but that is suspended for two years as long as he obeys all laws and the conditions of his sentencing.
Current Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks released this statement:
“On behalf of my entire family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Reno Police Department and the Reno City Attorney’s Office for their diligent investigation and prosecution in the case surrounding the loss of our beloved family member. Throughout this difficult process, their compassion and support have meant so much to us.
We are thankful that this case has now reached its conclusion, allowing us to continue on our path toward healing from such a profound loss. Most importantly, we hope this marks a turning point - one that allows the focus to return to honoring the remarkable legacy of Judge Larry Hicks’ life, rather than the tragic circumstances of his passing.”
JUNE 27, 2024:
A celebration of life for late District Court Judge Larry Hicks was held Thursday afternoon on the UNR campus.
The event was held inside the Milt Glick Ballroom in the Joe Crowley Student Union.
The service was held in the main ballroom and was livestreamed in the theatre on the 3rd floor.
Hicks was hit and killed by a car late last month in downtown Reno.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Reactions are starting to pour in one day after U.S. District Court Judge Larry Hicks was hit and killed by a car in downtown Reno Wednesday afternoon.
"Today, our community lost an extraordinary man," said a statement released on behalf of the Hicks family, including current Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks. "Judge Larry Hicks was a deeply admired, lawyer and judge, a devoted friend, mentor, and a committed servant to the administration of justice. To us, he was first and foremost, a man who put nothing before family. He was a hero in all manners, a loving husband of nearly 59 years, a doting dad, an adoring Papa, and brother. His loss is beyond comprehension."
Reno Police, Reno Fire, and REMSA responded to a report of a car hitting a pedestrian just after 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of South Virginia Street and California Avenue.
The RPD's Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the investigation.
Police say the driver of the car stayed on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Police say impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
“On behalf of the men and women of the Reno Police Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Judge Hicks," said Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance in a statement. "Tragedies like this leave a lasting impact on our lives, particularly when they involve cherished members of our community.”
“Today’s news regarding the Honorable Judge Larry R. Hicks who served Nevada for over 53 years is tragic,” said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam.
Hicks served as the district attorney in Washoe County from 1974-78 and then joined a law firm, according to an online biography. He was nominated to the U.S. District Court for Nevada by President George W. Bush and sworn in in 2001. He continued to carry a caseload after assuming senior status in 2013.
Hicks was the father of current Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks, whose office released a statement on behalf of the Hicks family.
“Judge Larry Hicks was a deeply admired lawyer and judge, a devoted friend, mentor, and a committed servant to the administration of justice,” the family said. “To us, he was first and foremost, a man who put nothing before family. He was a hero in all manners, a loving husband of nearly 59 years, a doting dad, an adoring Papa, and brother. His loss is beyond comprehension.”
Flags will be flown at half-staff over Nevada’s federal courthouses, the U.S. District Court said.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Reno Police Department's non-emergency line at (775) 334-2677. You can also contact Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or at secretwitness.com.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Paul and I are saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Judge Larry Hicks yesterday. He will be remembered for his decades of service to our Northern Nevada community, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones mourning his loss.
— Senator Cortez Masto (@SenCortezMasto) May 30, 2024
I am devastated this evening learning of the tragic passing of U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks. He was not only my mentor, but also my dear friend. Words cannot fully express what Judge Hicks meant to me both professionally and personally. I will miss him greatly. Lauralyn and…
— Brian Sandoval (@Pres_Sandoval) May 30, 2024
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of United States, District Court Judge Larry R. Hicks. On behalf of the men and women of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, we offer our deepest sympathy to the Hicks Family including his son, Washoe DA Chris Hicks. pic.twitter.com/uEric5FdNr
— Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (@TMFPD) May 30, 2024
On behalf of the Reno City Council, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve has issued the following statement regarding the passing of Judge Hicks. pic.twitter.com/l1ecfzqyDT
— City of Reno (@CityofReno) May 30, 2024
I'm incredibly sad to hear of the tragic passing of Judge Larry Hicks. During his years of service, Judge Hicks demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law and the people of Nevada.
— Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen) May 30, 2024
My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. https://t.co/TnhT8KEwq8
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
A pedestrian is dead after being hit by a car near downtown Reno Wednesday afternoon.
It happened near California Avenue and Virginia Street just after 2 p.m.
Police say the unidentified pedestrian died on scene - and that the driver is cooperating with the investigation.
This is a developing story.
