Nelson Lugela, the man who shot and killed Calgary Stampeders’ defensive back Mylan Hicks, has had his prison sentence upheld by the Alberta Court of Appeal.
Lugela was found guilty of second-degree murder in March 2019 for the killing of Hicks, which occurred in the early hours of Sept. 25, 2016. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for a minimum of 18 years.
Several members of the Stampeders were celebrating a win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at the Marquee Beer Market when a disagreement over a spilled drink escalated outside the bar. Hicks was reportedly not involved in the original dispute, though he was struck by two bullets in the parking lot and died in hospital.
The Alberta Court of Appeal previously rejected a conviction appeal from Lugela in 2020.
Hicks, a native of Detroit, played cornerback, safety, and linebacker at Michigan State for four seasons (2011-14), recording 27 total tackles, four knockdowns, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack over 32 games. As a senior, he was the defensive recipient of the Biggie Munn Award, awarded annually to Michigan State’s most inspirational player.
The 23-year-old was on Calgary’s practice roster at the time of his killing.
