Brian Hickerson Detained, Brother Arrested After Greenville Restaurant Altercation

Key points

• Greenville police responded to the Wild Wing Cafe on Woodruff Road around 9:10 p.m. on September 13 for a reported assault.
• Multiple individuals were detained during the investigation, including Brian and Zachary Hickerson.
• Zachary Hickerson was taken into custody for disorderly conduct due to intoxication and public profanity; he was released on bond the following afternoon.
• Brian Hickerson was released at the scene and not charged with any offenses.
• The incident follows the August 16 death of Hayden Panettiere at Judson Mill Lofts, where the Hickerson brothers were present when she was found unresponsive.

Background

Hayden Panettiere died at age 36 on August 16, 2026, after being found unresponsive at her Greenville apartment. Her boyfriend and brother were present when emergency services arrived. Preliminary investigations found no signs of foul play, but the case remains open with the DEA involved. Brian Hickerson had a history of domestic violence charges with Panettiere, though they had recently reconciled. This latest incident is the first public claim by Hickerson that police leaked information regarding her death.

How outlets are covering it

All outlets (Action News 5, USA Today, FOX Carolina, WYFF) agree on the basic facts: the detention at Wild Wing Cafe, Zachary’s arrest for disorderly conduct, and Brian’s release without charges. However, WYFF highlights a new development: video footage shows Brian Hickerson claiming police leaked details about Panettiere’s death while he was handcuffed. Greenville police responded by stating they adhere to Freedom of Information Act policies. USA Today and FOX Carolina focus primarily on the timeline relative to Panettiere’s death and the ongoing investigation, while Action News 5 emphasizes the immediate police response. No outlet disputes the core facts of the detention or arrest.

Why it matters

This incident adds a layer of public scrutiny to the ongoing investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death. The public accusation by Brian Hickerson that police leaked information could impact the perception of the investigation’s integrity. Additionally, the arrest of Zachary Hickerson for disorderly conduct highlights the chaotic circumstances surrounding the family in the weeks following Panettiere’s passing. The case remains under active investigation by Greenville police and the DEA, with toxicology results pending.

What to watch

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office is expected to release toxicology and autopsy results, which could take up to three months. The DEA’s involvement suggests a focus on potential substance-related causes of death. Brian Hickerson’s claim of a police leak may lead to further public or legal scrutiny of the investigation’s transparency. No further charges have been filed against Brian Hickerson, but the investigation into Panettiere’s death remains open.