A fatal shooting spree in Missaukee County, Michigan, on Friday resulted in the deaths of five individuals and left another in critical condition, authorities reported. The suspected gunman, identified as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, was found dead after an extensive manhunt.
The Michigan State Police were alerted to the initial incident at a residence around 11:40 a.m. Responding troopers discovered three deceased individuals and one person with critical injuries at the scene. Hickman had reportedly left the property before law enforcement arrived.
Additional victims were subsequently found. One person was discovered in a wooded area near Whitlock Lake, and another victim was found deceased in a separate residence. The incidents prompted a large-scale search for Hickman, who was considered armed and dangerous.
Hickman's vehicle was located in the vicinity of the wooded area where he was ultimately found deceased. The exact cause of his death has not yet been determined.
Lt. Ashley Miller of the Michigan State Police described the situation as "heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved." She stated that the department remains committed to a thorough investigation.
Court records indicate that Hickman had a prior criminal conviction for misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children, stemming from a 2010 case. He received a one-year jail sentence for these charges. The original complaint was reportedly filed by his ex-wife, Katie Hickman, who initiated divorce proceedings in September 2023, citing a significant deterioration of their marriage. According to court documents, allegations of domestic violence attributed to both parties were present in the divorce proceedings, with his ex-wife describing their marriage as characterized by "control, coercion, and fear."