A tragic event unfolded in Michigan on Friday as a teenage boy and four adults lost their lives in shootings that sparked an intensive search for the gunman. Authorities later discovered the gunman’s body in a wooded area next to one of his victims. A teenage girl survived the attack and is currently in stable condition, according to police reports.
The body of Chad Hickman, 39, was found following an extensive search in Missaukee County. Police released information about the ages and genders of the victims over the weekend. However, they did not disclose any potential relationships between the victims and the suspect.
Officers were called to a shooting incident at a residence approximately 170 miles northwest of Detroit. They found the bodies of a 16-year-old boy, a 45-year-old man, a 40-year-old woman, and a critically injured 13-year-old girl. This information was provided by the Michigan State Police.
Following this event, Hickman fled the scene, leading to a large-scale search operation. His body, along with that of a 29-year-old woman, was discovered in a forested area. Additionally, police found a 53-year-old man dead at a separate location. The victims succumbed to gunshot wounds, police confirmed.
Lt. Ashley Miller expressed the situation’s impact on the community and the challenges for investigators, stating in a Friday announcement, “This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved.” On Saturday, Miller noted that the investigation remains active.
Court records reveal that Hickman had a past conviction in 2024 for misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse, receiving a one-year jail sentence. Charges of felony assault and criminal sexual conduct were dismissed in the same case.
Local resident Tim Penrose, living on the street where the 53-year-old victim was found, mentioned that Hickman resided nearby. Penrose acknowledged hearing gunfire but thought it was typical for the rural area until police arrived. He also noted that Hickman often harassed him and his wife but did not elaborate further.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the incident, stating she was actively monitoring the developments. She extended her condolences, “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community,” she commented.
Associated Press writer Hallie Golden contributed to this report. GaNun is a member of The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a nonprofit program putting journalists in local newsrooms to cover underreported issues.