Transcript

Narrator (0:00)

This show is sponsored by Deadly Nightmares, a podcast from id. Picture yourself alone in the middle of nowhere, and somebody's following you. On Deadly Nightmares, a podcast from id, you can hear real stories from ordinary people who were stalked by predators. On each episode, survivors describe the moment they sense something was wrong and how they managed to escape. Then investigators and family members speak to the details of each case, sharing exactly what happened then. These terrifying stories are the stuff of nightmares, and they're all completely real. Listen to Deadly Nightmares wherever you get your podcasts.

Kelly (0:54)

It was after one in the morning.

Investigator/Reporter (0:57)

We heard this popping sound.

Kelly (1:00)

We didn't know what was going on at first. And I looked out the back door and we could see the flames coming out of the house over here. And So I called 911. Just to think that it could go

Family Member/Friend (1:14)

up that fast, it's horrifying.

Kelly (1:17)

I just figured the whole house was going to go.

Fire Investigator/Police Officer (1:26)

We had a call roughly 1:35, give or take a few minutes for possible structure fire.

Narrator (1:31)

Structure fire.

Fire Investigator/Police Officer (1:33)

When we hear structure fire for a call, it's kind of just dangerous for everybody. It kind of clicks you over into, like, it's game time. Everybody just kind of jumps out of bed, starts putting their gear on, and we jump on the truck and take off.

Lead Investigator/Detective (1:48)

They respond urgent because you just never know if there's people inside the home, if there's anybody trapped, how rapidly the fire is going to spread.

Fire Investigator/Police Officer (1:56)

Of course, you're glued to the window because you want to see what you're pulling up to, coming down the street. You can see it because there's fire out of every door and window. It was coming out of the garage, the picture window in the front, the front door kind of looked like a movie because inside you can see everything in real life, it's never like that. And something else could be going on. Might not be just the typical accidental fire. Kind of made you think, okay, there could be something more to this. It's definitely had a jump on us.

Summary

20/20: "The Secret in the Water" – Detailed Episode Summary

Date: May 2, 2026
Podcast: 20/20 (ABC News)
Host(s): Various ABC News Correspondents

Overview

"The Secret in the Water" explores the extraordinary journey to justice for Regina Hicks, an Ohio mother murdered in 2001, whose death went unsolved for over two decades. The episode skillfully ties a contemporary arson case to the chilling cold case of Regina’s murder, unveiling layers of manipulation, domestic abuse, and deception that spanned decades and victims. Through candid interviews, courtroom testimony, and dogged investigative work—including a key confession, forensic reviews, and the persistent efforts of a family—and an unexpected true crime podcaster, justice is finally achieved.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Arson Case That Sparked Old Questions

[00:54–04:13]
- Fire crews respond to a house fire at 1:35 AM. The fire is so intense that flames are coming from every door and window.
- Investigators immediately sense something is off—arson is suspected after gas cans are found inside.
- The house is owned by Paul Hicks, a railroad foreman who isn’t present on the night of the fire.
[04:25–07:31]
- Paul Hicks provides police with surveillance footage that survived the fire due to being stored in fireproof gun safes.
- Video shows two figures in Tyvek suits entering the house. The female’s hair and face are uncovered, unusually identifiable for a criminal act.
- Hicks insists to investigators that the woman is his ex-girlfriend, Kelly, embroiled in a bitter child custody battle with him.

2. A Plot Unravels: Setting Up Kelly

[08:31–13:34]
- Investigators question Kelly and review alibi and phone records.
- Significant discrepancies emerge: despite Hicks’ claim that Kelly called him repeatedly the night of the fire, her records show only minimal calls.
- Evidence of prior vandalism (a chopped-up hot tub) is also presented as supposed proof of Kelly’s involvement, but Kelly fiercely denies everything, stating:
  
  “There’s no way that’s me. I was at my mom’s house sleeping, and she lives 30, 35 minutes away.” – Kelly, [13:18]
[14:25–23:03]
- Investigators uncover proof that call logs were spoofed using a service called SpoofCard—Kelly’s number was faked, and the true source is traced to a new woman Hicks had been seeing.
- Purchases linked to this woman include a wig closely resembling Kelly’s hair and, astonishingly, a custom silicone mask of Kelly’s face ordered from “That’s My Face.”
- This points to an elaborate attempt to frame Kelly:
  
  “A mask was purchased under this woman’s name. And it had all of these photographs of Kelly’s face…” – Legal Expert Zachary McCune, [23:03]
- Hicks’ insurance claim for the fire is denied, and he is ultimately sued for fraud and loses a civil judgment.

3. A Deeper Darkness: The Cold Case of Regina Hicks

[24:47–35:36]
- The episode pivots to Regina Hicks—Paul Hicks’ first wife, who disappeared in 2001 under suspicious circumstances.
- Regina’s white Camaro is found submerged in a pond, her body inside, position and physical evidence suggesting homicide rather than accident.
- Key forensic findings:
  - Passenger seat pushed back; mud caked on body; shoe swipe marks inconsistent with Regina driving.
  - Autopsy reveals incapacitating blows to her head and drowning while unconscious.
- Motive: Financial strain, custody, and Paul’s controlling nature are explored.
  
  “Paul Hicks did not want to have to pay child support for Montana once the divorce went through.” – Fire Investigator, [43:51]

4. Two Decades of Frustration and the Role of a True Crime Podcaster

[45:14–52:24]
- Regina’s family—especially her mother, Lasella—fights for answers, but the case stalls for years.
- The cold case is shaken up by "Allegedly with Ashley Ford," a true crime podcast. Ford’s investigations lead to renewed media and law enforcement attention.
  
  “I don’t like when things are unfair. If I see something that’s solvable, I can’t leave it alone.” – Ashley Ford, [51:07]
[54:07–55:13]
- Evidence of attempts to set up Regina before her death (a planted drug tip called in by Paul’s friend, Stephen Gates) further underscores a pattern of framing and manipulation.

5. The Confession That Changes Everything

[56:03–63:23]
- Under renewed pressure, Stephen Gates, Paul’s longtime friend and property owner where Regina was last seen, finally confesses after 24 years.
- Gates, in exchange for immunity, reveals:
  - Regina arrived to pick up her son and got into a heated argument with Paul.
  - He later saw Paul telling him Regina was dead in the car. Rather than call for help, Paul coerced Gates to help dispose of the evidence, driving Regina’s car—containing her body—into the pond.
  - Gates had stayed silent for years out of fear.
  “Steve Gates was the key to solving this case all these years.” – Narrator, [64:03]
  “I’m glad Steve Gates came forward. …and here’s the truth.” – Prosecutor, [63:45]

6. Paul Hicks’ Arrest, Trial, and Verdict

[64:26–73:50]
- Paul Hicks is arrested and indicted for murder and kidnapping after Gates’ full confession.
- The trial’s primary evidence is Gates’ testimony, corroborated where possible by physical and circumstantial evidence.
- Despite no DNA or direct forensics, the circumstantial and eyewitness evidence, along with motive, provides a compelling case.
  
  “The jury finds the defendant guilty.” – [80:17]
  “That was a great moment when they said guilty. …Finally, we got justice. And Paul’s reaction was priceless.” – Family member, [80:34]

7. Aftermath and Reflections

[81:38–85:14]
- Regina’s family finally receives closure. Kelly regains custody of her own son, Daniel.
- Montana, Regina and Paul’s son, delivers a complicated victim impact statement expressing his pain and the dual loss of both parents.
- Paul Hicks is sentenced to life with parole eligibility after 25 years.
  
  “I want her to be remembered as Montana’s mom… She loved him. She would have loved him deeply.” – Family member, [84:29]
- Hicks has since filed a notice of appeal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the arson framing:
“They got this Tyvek suit to cover themselves up. But the hair and the face are exposed right on camera.” – Legal Expert/Attorney Zachary McCune, [06:52]
On the mask purchase and framing:
“Who even does that? This is not the movies.” – Kelly, [23:41]
Regina’s legacy:
“She would do anything for anybody. She was just caring and she loved her family.” – Kelly, [84:37]
On the final verdict:
“The jury finds the defendant guilty.” – Fire Investigator/Police Officer, [80:17]
“Finally, my baby’s home. We’re safe. He’s where he belongs.” – Kelly, [81:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

The 2015 Arson and Investigation: [00:54–14:25]
Spoofing, Mask and Discovery of a Frame-Up: [14:25–24:47]
Connecting to Regina Hicks' 2001 Case: [24:47–35:36]
Regina’s Disappearance & Crime Scene: [35:09–43:03]
Trial and Ultimate Justice: [67:30–84:13]
Victim Impact and Final Sentencing: [82:05–85:07]

Conclusion

This episode is a masterclass in investigative storytelling, following how dogged persistence, forensic details, and, unexpectedly, the reach of a true crime podcast finally unraveled a web of manipulation and murder. It captures the enduring pain of familial loss, the impact of rumors and abuse, and the dogged determination to see justice served—even after 24 years. The central theme: evil actions ripple outward, but so does truth in the hands of those willing to uncover it.