Five killed in Michigan shooting spree as massive manhunt ends with suspect, 39, found dead in woods — after disturbing details of his troubled past emerge
- Five people were killed in a series of shootings in Michigan on Friday
- Three victims were initially discovered dead inside a Missaukee County home
- Two more victims were later found at separate locations, including near Whitlock Lake
- Police launched a major manhunt for 39-year-old Chad Hickman
- Hickman was later discovered dead in woodland near where his vehicle had been located
- Authorities have not yet publicly established how the suspect died
- Court records reveal a previous child-abuse conviction and allegations surrounding his former marriage
A quiet Michigan community was plunged into horror after five people were killed in a shooting spree, triggering an urgent manhunt for a 39-year-old suspect who was later found dead in the woods.
Michigan State Police said the violence first came to light at around 11:40am Friday when troopers were called to a property in Missaukee County following reports that someone had been shot.
When officers entered the home, they discovered a devastating scene.
Three people were dead and another victim was critically injured.
But investigators quickly realized the violence was not confined to that property.
Two more victims discovered
As police searched the surrounding area, two additional victims were found dead.
One was discovered in woodland near Whitlock Lake, while another was located inside a separate residence, according to state police.
Authorities identified Chad Hickman, 39, as an armed and dangerous person of interest and warned the public as officers launched an intensive search.
Hickman had already fled before troopers reached the first property.
His vehicle was eventually located near Whitlock Lake — providing investigators with a crucial lead in the search.
Then came another grim discovery.
Hickman himself was found dead in the wooded area nearby.
Police did not immediately disclose how he died.
Community left reeling
Michigan State Police Lt. Ashley Miller described the situation as heartbreaking for the community and difficult for investigators tasked with piecing together what happened across the multiple scenes.
Authorities said the investigation remained ongoing as they worked to establish the complete sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the five deaths.
But as the manhunt ended, attention also turned to Hickman’s history — and court records revealed troubling details dating back years.
Previous conviction and disturbing allegations
According to court records cited by the Detroit News, Hickman was convicted of misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children following a 2010 case brought by the Missaukee County Sheriff’s Department.
He was reportedly sentenced to one year behind bars.
Further details emerged from divorce proceedings involving his former wife, Katie Hickman.
She initiated divorce proceedings in September 2023 after their marriage had, according to a later judicial opinion, deteriorated significantly.
A judge wrote that allegations of domestic violence involving both parties were uncontested during the proceedings.
Katie reportedly described her marriage to Hickman in particularly stark terms, telling the court that it had been characterized by ‘control, coercion, and fear.’
Those details are now receiving renewed scrutiny as investigators attempt to understand what preceded Friday’s deadly events.
For the families of the five victims, however, the central questions remain unanswered: what triggered the violence, how the different victims were connected, and what happened during the suspect’s final moments in the woods.