Boyfriend under arrest in Gautier murder

On Wednesday, February 8, Amanda Hicks went missing from Gautier. She was last seen with her boyfriend and father of her 15-year-old son, James Vanlaningham Jr. The camper trailer that the couple lived in at Santa Maria RV Park was reported on fire shortly after the couple was last seen there. He was arrested in her truck for DUI later the same night in Brewton, AL. Vanlaningham was charged with Arson of the couple’s camper trailer and extradited to Jackson County ADC with a $100,000.00 Bond.
On March 18, Jackson County Sherriff Department discovered a body behind Pine Grove Methodist Church in North Jackson County. MS State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the found body. That body has been positively identified as Amanda Hicks through dental records. The cause of death has still not been determined at this point.
James Russel Vanlaningham Jr. has been charged with the First-Degree Murder of Amanda Hicks. He has been booked and remains at the ADC. He has been denied bond.