Willie S. Hicks, III has been sentenced to 18-years-to-life in prison after entering a guilty plea in the shooting death of Lentheric Caldwell back in January of 2016. 

The shooting happened at the Hi-De-Ho Lounge on Vernon Odom Boulevard in Akron. Witnesses say 44-year-old Hicks entered the bar, pulled out a gun, and then shot the 39-year-old Caldwell in the chest. Hicks fled the scene, but was caught up with by police shortly after.

Hicks entered a guilty plea to one count of murder and one firearm specific violation. In court, it is reported that Hicks took responsibility for the crime and apologized to Caldwell's family. He was sentenced by Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Scot Stevenson to 15-years-to-life for the murder charge and an additional 3 years on the firearm violation.