A gunman who killed five people in Michigan before dying himself had a history of domestic abuse and was engaged in a contentious divorce, according to court records. Chad Hickman, 39, was found dead Friday after opening fire in a home, killing three people and critically injuring another.
Two additional victims were discovered later, one in the woods near Whitlock Lake and another in a separate home, state police reported. A manhunt was initiated for Hickman, with authorities warning the public to consider him armed and dangerous. He was found deceased in a wooded area, though the cause of his death was not immediately clear.
Court documents indicate Hickman was convicted in 2024 of fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children stemming from a 2010 case. Other charges, including two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, were dismissed. The number of children the couple had together is not specified.
Hickman’s ex-wife, Katie Frye (formerly Katie Hickman), expressed anger that prosecutors allowed her ex-husband to remain free, suggesting this contributed to the tragedy. She stated on Facebook that Missaukee County should be held responsible for the deaths, including a teenage boy and his mother, and that her ex-husband was allowed to continue tormenting her and her children after his release.
In divorce filings, Frye alleged that Hickman was abusive and that their marriage was characterized by control, coercion, and fear. She claimed she bore the financial burden of the marriage, with Hickman working only one year during their 12-year union, despite her own work limitations due to injuries. Court papers state she testified to lacking financial resources and facing threats of harm, including physical violence and financial control.
Friends and family testified that both Hickman and Frye were violent towards each other, with the judge describing their relationship as "toxic" and "defined by volatility." The divorce was set to be finalized in July 2025, with a court hearing scheduled for September 1.
Hickman, in an October social media post, disputed his ex-wife’s allegations, calling them lies and stating he had proven his case before three judges. He claimed her accusations were part of an effort to take their shared assets in the divorce after her blackmail attempts failed. He also posted that leaving Frye was the best decision he had made.
Authorities are still working to determine Hickman's motive for the shootings. The names of the victims had not been released by police as of Saturday afternoon.