Amanda Hicks accused murderer in court

The man accused in the slaying of his missing girlfriend, whose decomposing remains were found behind a church in Jackson County, is due in court today for a bond hearing.
Fifty-six year-old James Vanlaningham was arrested Tuesday on a first-degree murder charge in the death of 37-year-old Amanda Hicks. Parishioners of Pine Grove Methodist Church in Jackson County discovered the remains during a gathering on March 18th.
The state medical examiner’s office used dental records to identify Hicks. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Vanlaningham was first arrested back in February on a DUI charge and later charged with arson after being accused of burning the couple’s Mobile home in Gautier.
Hicks was last seen that day leaving the home with Vanlaningham in her truck.