A mass shooting in Missaukee County, Michigan, killed six people, including the suspected shooter, and left another person critically injured. Authorities identified the suspect as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, who fled the scene and was later found dead along with another person in a nearby wooded area. Investigators say the motives and circumstances remain unclear; Hickman had prior misdemeanor convictions and was reportedly divorcing. Officials continue to investigate and will provide updates as information becomes available.
Six Dead, Suspected Shooter Among Them, After Mass Shooting in Rural Michigan
The shooting happened in a rural area of northern Michigan.Photograph: Westend61/Getty Images
A mass shooting in rural Missaukee County, northern Michigan, on Friday left six people dead — including the suspected shooter — and one person in critical condition at a local hospital, Michigan State Police said.
State police identified the suspected shooter as 39-year-old Chad Hickman in a statement posted on social media. Officials say Hickman fled the scene, prompting a multi-agency manhunt that included the Missaukee County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police.
Investigators traced Hickman's vehicle to a wooded area, where Hickman and another person were found dead. Authorities have not released details about what led to the shooting and say the circumstances remain under investigation.
Investigation and official response
"This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved," said Lt. Ashley Miller, a Michigan State Police spokesperson. "We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as new information becomes available."
Officials appealed to the public for information during the search and asked anyone with tips to contact law enforcement. Authorities also requested sensitivity toward victims' families while investigators continue to gather facts.
Suspect background
Court records show Hickman was reportedly in the process of divorcing. Records indicate he pleaded guilty in 2024 to two misdemeanors — contributing to the delinquency of a child and fourth-degree child abuse — related to a 2010 incident, and was sentenced to more than a year in county jail.
At this stage, law enforcement has not disclosed a motive. Officials said they will release further details as the ongoing investigation develops.
Help us improve.
