The ex-wife of Chad Hickman, 39, and their three children are safe following a violent incident Friday morning in Lake Township, Michigan, where Hickman is believed to have killed five people before taking his own life. Michigan State Police identified Hickman as the suspect in a shooting that began at a LaChance Road residence, where three individuals were found deceased.
Authorities responded to a report of a person shot and discovered the initial three victims. As the investigation unfolded, police received a call from a 13-year-old reporting a gunshot wound to her arm. Troopers found her critically injured at the scene. A subsequent search led authorities to a separate home where a fourth victim was found deceased. Hickman's abandoned vehicle was located near Whitlock Lake, and a K9 unit subsequently discovered Hickman's body along with a fifth deceased victim in a wooded area.
The identities and relationships of the victims to Hickman have not yet been released. Police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Hickman's ex-wife, Katie, posted on social media that she and their children were safe and expressed gratitude for support. Court records indicate Katie initiated divorce proceedings in 2023, which were finalized last year. The divorce ruling noted allegations of domestic abuse on both sides and described the marriage as 'uncontested' with significant dysfunction and mutual toxicity. Judge Melissa Ransom's ruling stated that evidence presented by both parties described instances of domestic violence attributed to each of them. Katie Hickman testified that her marriage to Chad was characterized by control, coercion, and fear, and that she lacked access to finances and marital assets.
The divorce proceedings also involved disputes over property and finances. Katie claimed Chad had misappropriated funds intended for renovations on a rental property. The judge ruled that both parties made credible but inconsistent claims, awarding personal property to each of them.
Following the divorce, Hickman reportedly continued to post accusations against his ex-wife online, calling her claims a "lie" and part of an "orchestrated hit" to take their assets. He accused her of blackmail and claimed the judge saw through her "bullshit story." In response, his daughter posted on social media, accusing her father of abuse against her, her mother, and siblings, calling him a "psychotic man that needs help" and stating he would never be a father to her.
Court records also show Hickman was convicted in 2024 of misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children, stemming from a 2010 case initiated by Katie. Felony charges, including assault and criminal sexual conduct, were dismissed, as were additional child abuse charges. He was sentenced to one year in jail and ordered to pay court fees. Records also indicate he was facing a new civil lawsuit filed in late July, though details were unclear.
The motive for Friday's killings remains under investigation. State Representative Ken Borton and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson offered condolences to the victims' families and the community. Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated she was briefed on the situation and monitoring it.
