Christian Menifee Sentenced to 40 Years for Cousin’s Killing

A Fort Bend County jury convicted 25-year-old Christian Perry Menifee of murder in the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Tyler Hicks, who was 19. Menifee was sentenced to 40 years in prison on November 12, 2026, and must serve at least 20 years before he can seek parole.

The shooting took place on May 15, 2021, in a recording studio at a Sugar Land boxing facility. Relatives and friends were present with the cousins when Menifee fired 12 shots at Hicks, according to evidence presented at trial. A music producer in the room and other witnesses testified that the gathering had been peaceful before the shooting.

Surveillance footage showed Menifee leaving the studio holding a gun as witnesses ran ahead of him. He discarded the weapon, which investigators recovered days later, and went to his home in Humble. He was arrested the next day.

A firearms expert testified that shell casings found at the studio matched the recovered gun. Menifee acknowledged killing Hicks but claimed he had acted in self-defense. The jury rejected that argument and found him guilty of murder.

Lead prosecutor Justin Foster said the verdict held Menifee accountable and recognized Hicks, an aspiring musician whose life was cut short.