North Las Vegas Jury to Weigh Intent in Fatal SUV Runover Case

The Deadly Parking Lot Confrontation (Image Credits: Pixabay)

North Las Vegas – Justice of the Peace Kalani Hoo ruled Tuesday that a jury must determine whether Andrea Roman intentionally drove her SUV over her partner’s head in a restaurant parking lot, leading to his death four months earlier.[1][2]

The Deadly Parking Lot Confrontation

On October 18, 2025, Bryan Hicks and Andrea Roman argued in the parking lot of an Olive Garden in the 1200 block of East Craig Road. The couple, who had dated for about 20 years and shared eight children, clashed after Hicks, suffering from back pain due to a burst disk and lack of medication, requested a route change for coffee on his birthday.[3]

Roman pulled into the lot to let Hicks out. He slammed the door and kicked the vehicle, sparking a physical fight near the hood. Witnesses saw bruises and scratches on Roman’s arms and neck from the scuffle. Their 4-year-old daughter sat in the back seat of Roman’s newly purchased Mitsubishi Outlander.[2]

Roman entered the SUV. According to bystander dashcam video, she placed it in drive, jolted forward and stopped three times, then turned the wheel sharply left toward Hicks, who had his back turned, and accelerated. The vehicle struck him, pinning his neck under the front driver’s side tire. He suffered traumatic asphyxia and died at a hospital.[1]

Immediate Aftermath and Arrest

Roman attempted to drive away, but an off-duty North Las Vegas police detective, who had been picking up lunch, drew his concealed firearm and ordered her to the ground. Other witnesses provided video that police reviewed multiple times.[4]

Officers found Hicks unresponsive under the tire and could not shift the vehicle’s gears to free him. Roman told investigators she thought the SUV was in reverse, as she had owned it for less than a day, and only meant to scare Hicks. Police booked her into the North Las Vegas Detention Center on open murder with a deadly weapon enhancement. She remained without bail.[3]

Preliminary Hearing Reveals Key Disputes

During the February 24, 2026, preliminary hearing in North Las Vegas Justice Court, prosecutors presented the dashcam footage. It showed Roman inching forward three times before turning toward Hicks and accelerating, according to Deputy District Attorney Kassandra Acosta.[1]

Acosta argued Roman knew the gears, noting she used reverse earlier that morning at a pawn shop. Medical examiner Greg Hess testified Hicks died from his head being pinned, blocking oxygen. Defense attorney David Lopez-Negrete countered that the new vehicle’s unconventional shifter caused an accident. He highlighted officers’ difficulty shifting gears at the scene and lack of practice testimony.[1]

Roman grew emotional during the hours-long hearing, wailing and rocking at the defense table. Hoo found slight or marginal evidence supporting the murder charge, binding the case over for trial. She returns to court Thursday.[1]

Evidence Points at Center of Debate

• Dashcam video capturing jolts, wheel turn, and acceleration toward Hicks.
• Witness accounts of intentional strike, including off-duty detective’s intervention.
• Roman’s fresh injuries from prior fight and her post-incident statements.
• Vehicle details: New Outlander with non-traditional gearshift, used briefly that morning.
• Morning pawn shop stop demonstrating reverse gear familiarity.

A Family Shattered by Violence

The couple’s eight children, ages 4 to 22, now face life without their father. The youngest witnessed the tragedy from inside the SUV. Roman referred to Hicks as her husband, despite no legal marriage.[2]

Prosecutors maintain the video proves intent, while the defense pushes accident amid a heated domestic dispute. The case underscores tensions in long-term relationships escalating fatally.

As the trial approaches, questions linger over one fatal maneuver. Key takeaways:

• A preliminary judge found enough evidence for jurors to assess intent in the October 2025 death.
• Video evidence shows deliberate actions, countered by claims of vehicle unfamiliarity.
• Eight children lost their father in a public parking lot altercation witnessed by many.

The outcome could redefine how courts view domestic violence claims involving vehicles. What do you think about the evidence? Tell us in the comments.