Mother speaks out day before killer of teenage daughter sentenced

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A mother speaks out the day before a judge sentences teen boyfriend and his mother for the death of 16-year-old daughter Autumn Higgs.

In March of 2021, Autumn Higgs was shot and killed by her 17-year-old boyfriend, Hayden Wik, in an Englewood home on Euler Avenue.

What happened on March 31, 2021?

According to the report, Hayden left two guns out on his bed. Once they returned to Hayden’s house after a day out, he went to put the guns away and said, “Then you know, you know there’s no ammo, so you pull the trigger to show it’s clear.”

Then he pulled the trigger, and a bullet hit Autumn’s face, right underneath her left eye.

“There are three number one rules: never point a gun at someone. Never pull a trigger, and always assume a gun’s loaded. There are other statements out in these court statements that said Hayden had gun safety training at an early age,” Autumn’s mother, Denice Higgs, said. “So he violated all three of the basic gun safety rules.”

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said Hayden’s mother, Lori Lynn Wik made the 911 call and began CPR compressions on Autumn.

CCSO detectives later confirmed Autumn’s death.

Evidence shows that Lori purchased the gun for Hayden and allowed unsupervised, unrestricted access with full awareness that it is illegal for a minor to own a gun in Florida.

Denice Higgs fights for justice

“Everything is a double-edged sword since I lost Autumn…Everything is divided into before Autumn and after Autumn. I could talk about Autumn all day,” Higgs said.

Autumn was Denice Higgs’ only child. Higgs described her as bright, energetic, smart, driven, and kind.

Nearly two weeks following their arrests, both Hayden and Lori were released from jail on bond.

Neighbors said the family moved out of the Englewood home shortly afterward.

“That’s the most sickening part. They’ve been running around free for two and a half years while I suffer. Every holiday, every birthday, Christmas. Fall is a hard time. Halloween we loved, we did everything,” Higgs said.

After two years and four court hearings postponed, Autumn’s mother, Denice Higgs, decided it was finally time.

 “I want to bring awareness to their sentences so that if they get light sentences or they get harsh sentences… If they get stiff sentences, maybe it’ll deter others from buying their sons guns,” Higgs said.

The court plea hearing and sentencing happened at the Charlotte County Courthouse Friday morning.

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