GA Teen Dies After CO At Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center Allows Juveniles To Participate In Fight Club

[Sugar Cookie]

The teenager who died after being taken, unconscious, to the hospital from the Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center has been identified by family as 17--year-old Loyce Tucker.

A correctional officer was arrested in connection Tucker's death Wednesday.

Thomas Hicks, 30, was allegedly allowing juveniles to participate in a fight game when he was present. Hicks is facing charges for second degree murder, cruelty to children, and violation of oath of office.

Tucker's aunt, Ana Guerrero, said that he was in the juvenile detention center because he got into a car wreck without a drivers license and had previously been in trouble for stealing a lawnmower.

Guerrero wants an investigation into the detention center.

She says all she wants is justice for her nephew.

Continue reading

Waycross juvenile inmate who died Tuesday identified as 17-year-old; officer arrested on murder charges

Loyce Tucker died at the hospital after an incident at the prison. A corrections officer has been arrested on second-degree murder charges.

www.firstcoastnews.com

Published: Oct. 8, 2025

More than three years after 17-year-old Loyce Tucker’s death at the Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC), his family says they’re still waiting for justice.

Loyce Tucker, 17, of Douglas, died in August 2022 after an altercation inside the detention center. Investigators say he was struck in the neck, collapsed, and never regained consciousness. He died two days later, on August 11, 2022.

An autopsy revealed Tucker suffered a vertebral artery injury caused by blunt force trauma, leading to a fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage. His death was ruled a homicide.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested RYDC officer Thomas Lee Hicks, 30, on August 16, 2022 after they say he, “allowed juveniles to participate in a fight game in his presence.” He was charged with second-degree murder, two counts of cruelty to children, and violation of oath of office. Loyce’s family accuses Hicks of organizing the “fight game” and allegedly forcing juveniles to fight each other.

The GBI also filed a juvenile complaint of involuntary manslaughter against one of the teens involved in the fight.

As of now, Hicks is out on bond, and court records show no upcoming hearings scheduled in Ware County Superior Court.

For Tucker’s family, the lack of progress has been painful.

Continue reading

Family speaks out as justice remains delayed in teen’s death at Waycross Youth Detention Center

The Tucker family says they plan to keep speaking out until someone is held accountable.

www.walb.com

 

[BuffettGirl]

Bad CO, bad, bad, BAD CO!

That said, Loyce, you did get yourself into Juvie. Your aunt can't place ALL of the blame elsewhere. Seriously, this is messed up...