Family of teen killed outraged over light sentences for boyfriend and his mother
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A Charlotte County Judge handed down sentences to Hayden Wik and his mother, Lori Wik, for the death of 16-year-old Autumn Higgs Friday morning; loved ones feel defeated and believe the sentences were too light.
Both Hayden and Lori Wik entered pleas and received sentences on Friday, September 15.
The judge took into consideration that Hayden was 17 years old at the time he shot Higgs while mishandling a gun at his Englewood home in 2021.
Hayden Wik’s sentence is as follows:
One year in the Charlotte County Jail
Two years on house arrest
Three years of probation
Restitution costs
100 hours of community service
One year of driver’s license suspension
No contact with the victim’s family
Lori Wik’s sentence is as follows:
Five years of probation
Jail for four days per year during probation
Two days around Autumn’s birthday
Two days around Autumn’s deathdate
Restitution costs
100 hours of community service
A required parenting class
Autumn’s family told NBC2 they feel betrayed by the judge’s sentences.
“I’m shocked he could put such a light sentence…” Autumn’s mother, Denice Higgs, said. “They couldn’t get any lighter. I don’t think they could get any lighter.”
Hayden Wik was arrested and charged with manslaughter and possessing a firearm as a minor.
Lori Wik, Hayden’s mother, was arrested and charged with purchasing and allowing a minor to own a firearm.
“It’s utterly disgusting. I came here twice. I came to Florida in February. They got extended six more months of freedom because she knew she wasn’t going to serve any time,” Higgs said.
Autumn’s family told NBC2 they will consider a wrongful death lawsuit.
“It was so hard for the past 2.5 years to get to this point, and I thought at least after everything I have to go through, we’ll have justice for Autumn. This was just a giant mockery.” Higgs said.
