SIX people, including the suspected gunman, have been found dead after a horror shooting spree.
Another victim is in critical condition following the rampage that left bodies sprawled across three different locations in Northern Lower Michigan.
Chad Hickman, 39, is accused of killing five people and critically injuring another in a shooting rampage that also left him dead in Michigan on August 14 Credit: Michigan State Police
The crime scene spanned three areas with bodies found in two separate homes and two others in a wooded area Credit: UpNorthLive
Details of the victims have not yet been released as investigators reach out to next of kin Credit: UpNorthLive
Troopers were called to a home in Lake Township at 11:40am on Friday when an injured child called 911 about a shooting.
Upon arrival they found three bodies and one person in critical condition who was taken to an area hospital.
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Cops identified the suspected gunman as Chad Hickman, 39, who fled the scene before they arrived.
During a major manhunt that involved aerial and dog units, a fourth body was found at a second property in Missaukee County.
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Michigan State Police then found the suspect’s vehicle in a wooded area near Caldwell Township and in the woods they located the bodies of Hickman and another victim.
It is not immediately clear how Hickman died, cops said.
“The MSP is asking community members to avoid all three areas so investigators can safely and effectively process each scene,” police said in a press release.
“This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved,” said Lt. Ashley Miller.
“We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.”
The details of the victims have not been released at this time as cops contact next of kin.
Hickman’s ex-wife Katie Frye has taken to Facebook to confirm that she and her children are safe.
She filed for divorce from Hickman in 2023 which was finalized last year, per records seen by Detroit News.
Cops described Hickman as armed and dangerous after finding the first three bodies at a home in Lake Township Credit: Facebook/Chad Hickman
Hickman’s ex-wife Katie Frye reassured loved ones that she and her children are safe Credit: Facebook/Katie Frye
Domestic abuse allegations were made on both sides during divorce proceedings and the judge ruled that the relationship “was marked by significant dysfunction and mutual toxicity.”
Katie had told the court that her marriage “was characterized by control, coercion, and fear.”
Hickman denied all allegations made by his ex-wife and continued to launch attacks at her on social media, including in October when he said, “leaving Katie was the best thing I ever did, despite every evil thing she threw at me. I’ve never been happier.”
Meanwhile, his daughter fired back in a post calling him abusive and “psychotic.”
“You are psychotic man that needs help…You are a horrible person for everything that you have done to us,” she wrote.
In 2024, Hickman was convicted of misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse and sentenced to one year in jail.
So far, investigators have not publicly discussed a motive for the shooting rampage Hickman is accused of carrying out.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453 or live chat at childhelphotline.org.
If a child or other person is in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately.
Help is also available at the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or Text BEGIN to 88788 .
