Jurors in a Broward County courtroom heard a jail phone call that appears to confirm the prosecution’s case against Romuliss Hicks, a 34‑year‑old man from Lauderhill. The call, played by prosecutors on Monday, features Hicks admitting he pulled the trigger that struck Sunrise Police Detective Robert Padron during an attempted arrest in January 2024.
Details of the incident
According to police reports, officers attempted to serve a warrant on Hicks in Sunrise when video captured him firing at Detective Padron twice, hitting the officer once in the leg. Padron survived the wound and later testified about the shooting during the trial.
Hicks himself was also shot during the confrontation but recovered from his injuries. He has not appeared in the courtroom; instead, the prosecution relied on the recorded conversation with a friend to demonstrate his admission.
What Hicks said
In the recorded call, Hicks said, “I ain’t tripping, I know what I did. I chose to pull that trigger, you know what I’m saying? It is what it is, dog.” The statement was presented as direct evidence that Hicks knowingly fired at the officer.
Charges and defense arguments
Hicks faces a charge of second‑degree murder for the shooting. He is already serving a 50‑year sentence in a separate case involving the death of his girlfriend earlier this year.
During closing arguments, the defense argued that Hicks harbored no ill‑will toward Detective Padron and therefore should not be convicted of attempted second‑degree murder. The defense urged jurors to consider a lesser charge of attempted manslaughter.
Trial status
The case has now been handed to the jury for deliberation. The outcome will determine whether Hicks receives an additional sentence for the attack on a law‑enforcement officer.
Community impact
The trial underscores ongoing concerns about public safety and the enforcement of warrants in the Sunrise and broader Broward County area. Residents and local officials have expressed a desire for swift justice while also emphasizing the importance of due process.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
