Zach Hickerson Quietly Closes Disorderly Conduct Case With $150 Fine

A $150 Fine Closes the Book on a Wild Night

Zach Hickerson, brother of late actress Hayden Panettiere's boyfriend Brian Hickerson, has resolved the court case that landed him behind bars earlier this month. The 38-year-old, who was arrested for disorderly conduct at a Greenville, South Carolina restaurant on September 12, paid a $150 fine for the citation on September 23, according to court records. The case was disposed. It was a swift legal resolution to an incident that unfolded against the backdrop of one of the most closely watched celebrity death investigations in recent memory.

Hours after his arrest, Hickerson was released on personal recognizance on September 13. Court records listed the total case amount as $257.50. Zach was given a recognizance bond of $257.50, which was satisfied, and he was released. The gap between that bond figure and the $150 fine ultimately paid suggests the case was resolved at a reduced amount — a routine outcome for a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.

What Happened at Wild Wing Cafe

Officers responded to reports of an assault inside a Wild Wing Cafe on Woodruff Road in Greenville around 9:10 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, September 12. Police confirmed they were investigating Brian Hickerson, Panettiere's boyfriend, for the alleged restaurant brawl, but only his brother, Zachary Hickerson, was arrested that night.

According to police, Zachary Hickerson had been "highly intoxicated" and was "yelling profanities in a public setting." He was charged with disorderly conduct and booked in the county detention center. Brian was released with no charges filed against him. According to reports, an eyewitness told TMZ that Brian and Zach were being heckled at the restaurant over Hayden's death before the confrontation turned physical. Video showed Brian throwing a bar stool during the melee before police detained both brothers.

Zach Speaks Out — And Points to Online Rumors

Zach Hickerson spoke out for the first time after his arrest, saying that rumors surrounding Hayden Panettiere's death were fueling attacks on him and his brother. He was spotted after being released from jail in Greenville, where he made clear he was frustrated by what he described as misinformation spreading online.

After his release, Zach addressed reporters and expressed frustration over widespread rumors and online speculation, saying misinformation surrounding Panettiere's death had intensified public hostility toward both him and his brother. However, he declined to discuss the specifics of the restaurant incident itself. The brothers' visibility in the public eye stems directly from the fact that the responding officer at the scene of Panettiere's death spoke with two men at the apartment, identified as her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, 37, and his brother, Zach Hickerson.

The Larger Investigation Continues

Hayden Panettiere was released from a drug rehabilitation facility weeks before her death. Panettiere, 36, died from an accidental overdose involving multiple prescription medications and fentanyl, according to findings released by the coroner. Toxicology testing determined the official cause of death to be the toxic effects of multiple substances, and her manner of death was ruled an accident. With the cause and manner established, the coroner's office administratively closed its case.

The Greenville Police Department stated that while the coroner's report represents one key component, their independent investigation has not been closed. "Our detectives will continue to follow leads and gather information as we work toward resolving this case," the department said. With Zach Hickerson's disorderly conduct case now quietly settled, attention will remain squarely on the broader investigation — one that involves not just local police and the coroner's office, but the Drug Enforcement Administration, which joined in a joint effort with the Greenville Police Department and the local coroner's office. For the Hickerson brothers, the $150 fine may close one chapter, but the larger story surrounding Hayden Panettiere's death is far from over.