Brian Hickerson's alleged threatening texts to Hayden Panettiere emerge after her death

Brian Hickerson's past relationship with Hayden Panettiere is facing renewed scrutiny after alleged threatening text messages he sent following a 2020 domestic violence arrest resurfaced in court records.

The messages were reportedly sent while Hickerson was subject to a no-contact order involving Panettiere , with prosecutors accusing him of attempting to pressure the actress as his criminal case unfolded.

One alleged message read: "Time to go to war I guess."

Other texts reportedly threatened to release damaging information unless Panettiere cooperated with him, adding another disturbing layer to a relationship that had already resulted in multiple arrests and allegations of abuse.

The documents have attracted fresh attention following Panettiere's death at 36 on August 16.

Hickerson allegedly pressured Panettiere after arrest

Hickerson was arrested in Wyoming in February 2020 following an alleged domestic violence incident involving Panettiere .

According to court documents, prosecutors later accused him of sending messages that violated restrictions on contacting her and amounted to witness intimidation.

The alleged communications included warnings about releasing personal material and damaging Panettiere's reputation if she didn't help make the case disappear.

Hickerson ultimately pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail, probation and domestic violence classes.

He later acknowledged his abusive behavior publicly, while Panettiere also discussed the relationship in detail before her death.

Old allegations resurface after Panettiere's death

The timing of the resurfaced messages is particularly sensitive because Hickerson had reportedly reconnected with Panettiere before she died.

The pair traveled to South Carolina together shortly before Panettiere was found unresponsive, while Hickerson and his brother were reportedly at the apartment complex when emergency services arrived.

Police have said their preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, and Hickerson hasn't been accused of causing Panettiere's death .

Her official cause of death remains under investigation .

Still, the newly highlighted messages provide another reminder of how volatile their relationship had once been.

Panettiere had previously spoken publicly about surviving domestic abuse and later said she believed in forgiveness and accountability after Hickerson sought treatment.

Whatever happened between them in the years that followed, the language contained in the alleged 2020 messages paints a troubling picture of one of the darkest periods in their relationship.