Michigan Man Identified As Chad Hickman Had Prior Child Abuse Conviction, Domestic Violence Allegations And History Of Aggression Before Fatal Rampage

Authorities say 39-year-old Chad Hickman allegedly killed five people across three Missaukee County locations on Aug. 14 before taking his own life. Local reporting and court records reveal a long history of violent allegations and a criminal conviction that neighbors say was accompanied by increasingly aggressive behavior.

Criminal Record And Past Conviction

Court records show that in 2024 Hickman pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree child abuse and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection with a 2010 case in Missaukee County. Prosecutors had initially filed additional charges — including assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder by strangulation and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct — but those counts were later dismissed. A judge sentenced Hickman to one year in the county jail related to the plea.

Chad HickmanCredit: Missaukee county sheriff's office

Domestic Violence Allegations During Divorce

Hickman faced allegations of domestic violence amid divorce proceedings with his ex-wife, Katie Hickman. In a written opinion, Missaukee County Judge Melissa Ransom wrote: "It is uncontested that this marriage involved allegations and incidents of domestic violence which lie at the heart of the issues before the court." The judge noted testimony and evidence describing the relationship as marked by "significant dysfunction and mutual toxicity."

Neighbors Describe Growing Aggression

Neighbors and former tenants described Hickman as increasingly hostile following his release from jail and as the divorce progressed. Tim Penrose, 36, who knew Hickman as a former tenant and neighbor in the unincorporated community of Jennings, told reporters he considered Hickman "angry, hateful and extremely aggressive." Penrose said he feared for his wife and 8-year-old daughter and installed security cameras because of Hickman’s conduct.

A Michigan State Police vehicleCredit: Michigan State Police/Facebook

"He's harassed me and my wife constantly since we've lived here," Penrose said. "He's been extremely aggressive. He's come out into the street to try to fight me on multiple occasions."

Timeline Of The Shootings And Investigation

Officials say the shootings began Friday morning and spanned three locations in Missaukee County. At a home on South LaChance Road in Lake Township, troopers found three fatal victims and one person critically injured. A fourth deceased person was later found at a second, separate residence in the county. After Hickman’s vehicle was located near Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township, investigators discovered the bodies of Hickman and another individual at that site.

Investigators have not yet publicly released the identities of the five victims. A Michigan State Police spokesperson said some details remain unconfirmed as detectives continue a complex investigation; local reporting indicated one victim may be a relative, but authorities have not confirmed that information.

Support Resources

If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. For those experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Both hotlines are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in multiple languages.

Note: This article summarizes details reported by regional outlets and court records. The investigation is ongoing and official updates may change as law enforcement releases further information.