Crime novelist Lisa Reardon pleads guilty to shooting her father in Dexter

Lisa Reardon

She could have faced up to life in prison if convicted of the attempted murder charge at trial. But under an agreement reached with prosecutors, Reardon will face two years when she is sentenced April 8, officials said.

Reardon will be sentenced to an additional two years in prison for the firearm crime, which is mandatory under Michigan law.

She acknowledged deliberately shooting her father as the 68-year-old man ran toward his home on Brand Road on Aug. 21. He was struck in the leg and buttocks but survived.

During the preliminary hearing last fall, Reardon's sister testified that Reardon shot her father the day her beloved cat died and expressed disappointment that she "missed." Investigators said Reardon was 17 feet from her father when she fired the first shot.

Reardon's father, George Hicks, testified he hadn't had much contact with Reardon in the past 15 years. Although their troubled relationship was mentioned several times in court, it was not explained in detail.

After the shooting, Reardon headed to Livingston County and was arrested a short time later.

She is the author of several books, including “The Mercy Killers,” which is set in Ypsilanti, in 2005. 

Reardon remains in custody on $500,000 bond.

Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 723-623-2530.