A 64-year-old Dickinson resident has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for a harrowing shooting that shook the small Texas community just before Christmas in 2021. A Galveston County jury sentenced Chad Anthony Dick to 40 years for critically injuring his son, George Dick, and 20 years for severely wounding his daughter-in-law, Hilary Dick.
The violent incident occurred on December 5, 2021, when Dickinson Police and Galveston County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a frantic 911 call. Upon arriving, officers found Chad restrained by neighbors, including a retired fire chief who had rushed to aid the victims. Inside the house were George, 33, suffering a critical gunshot wound to his abdomen, and Hilary, also 33, with a devastating injury to her arm. The couple’s two young children were in the home at the time, witnessing the nightmare unfold.
Initially charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, Chad faced upgraded charges of first-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon due to the severity of the victims’ injuries and their familial ties to him. During the trial, the jury heard hours of recorded statements in which Chad claimed self-defense, stating he had been drunk and couldn’t fully recall his actions. However, his inability to justify the alleged threat undermined his defense.
The trial, led by Chief Assistant District Attorney Casey Kirst and Assistant District Attorney Nathan Farmer, revealed the profound impact of the tragedy. Hilary shared an emotional account of how her permanent injury has changed her life, while George described his harrowing recovery journey, which included the loss of a kidney, part of his intestines, and colon, as well as enduring multiple surgeries and infections.
Adding to the prosecution’s case were letters Chad wrote from jail. Instead of expressing remorse, he requested money, showing indifference to the pain he caused. Prosecutors argued that his behavior highlighted an inability to take responsibility or change.
The jury ultimately sentenced Chad to 40 years for shooting his son and 20 years for wounding his daughter-in-law, with parole eligibility after serving half of his primary sentence.
This grim chapter has left scars on the family and the community of Dickinson. George and Hilary now face the ongoing challenges of healing while raising their two young children in the aftermath of this tragedy.