Six dead in Michigan shootings, suspect found dead; teen girl survives
Six people, including a 16-year-old boy and the suspected gunman, are dead following a series of shootings in rural Michigan on Friday. A 13-year-old girl survived the attack and is in stable condition, according to the Michigan State Police.
The shootings began on Friday morning at a residence in Missaukee County, about 170 miles northwest of Detroit. Officers responding to the scene found the bodies of a 16-year-old boy, a 45-year-old man, and a 40-year-old woman, along with the injured 13-year-old girl.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, fled the scene, prompting a large-scale search. During the search, police found the body of a 53-year-old man at a second home. Hickman's body was later discovered in a wooded area, alongside the body of a 29-year-old woman. All victims died of gunshot wounds.
Police have not specified whether the victims were related to each other or to Hickman. The investigation is ongoing, said Lt. Ashley Miller of the Michigan State Police.
Court records show that Hickman was convicted in 2024 of misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse and sentenced to one year in jail. In the same case, felony assault and criminal sexual conduct charges were dismissed.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed condolences in a statement on Friday, saying she was monitoring the situation. “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community,” she said.
The incident has deeply affected the small community, with officials describing the situation as “heartbreaking.” Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and determine the circumstances that led to the shootings.
