A tragic shooting incident in Michigan claimed the lives of a teenage boy and four adults on Friday. Authorities launched an extensive search for the suspect, who was later discovered deceased in a wooded area beside one of his victims. A teenage girl survived the attack and is currently in stable condition, according to police.
The suspect, identified as Chad Hickman, 39, was found dead after the manhunt in Missaukee County, police reported. The victims’ ages and genders were released by the police, but their connections to each other or to the suspect remain unspecified.
Responding to reports of a shooting on Friday morning, officers arrived at a home approximately 170 miles northwest of Detroit. They discovered the bodies of a 16-year-old boy, a 45-year-old man, and a 40-year-old woman. A 13-year-old girl was found in critical condition, as confirmed by the Michigan State Police.
“This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved,” stated Lt. Ashley Miller.
Following the initial scene, authorities say Hickman fled, triggering a large-scale search. Police later located the body of a 53-year-old man at a separate location and found a 29-year-old woman dead alongside Hickman in a wooded area. All victims succumbed to gunshot wounds, police confirmed.
Court records reveal that Hickman was convicted in 2024 for misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse, resulting in a one-year jail sentence. Felony assault and criminal sexual conduct charges were dismissed in the same case.
Tim Penrose, a resident on the street where the 53-year-old was found, mentioned that Hickman resided in the same home. Penrose noted hearing gunshots but did not suspect anything unusual due to the area’s rural setting. He also mentioned ongoing harassment from Hickman towards himself and his wife.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her concerns, saying, “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community.”
The investigation into this incident continues as authorities work to understand the motive and connections involved.