In the aftermath of a tragic incident in Michigan, the former wife of a man accused of multiple murders has reassured that she and their trio of children are unharmed and safe.
Chad Hickman, aged 39, is suspected of fatally shooting three individuals at a residence on LaChance Road, Lake Township last Friday before making his getaway.
Officers responded swiftly following a distress call from an unidentified 13-year-old girl. She reported being shot in the arm, which led authorities to the location. There, they discovered three deceased victims and another seriously wounded person.
The disturbing scene triggered an extensive manhunt for Hickman, deemed ‘armed and dangerous’ by Michigan State Police.
During their search, police uncovered a fourth victim’s body in a different home. Shortly after, they came across Hickman’s deserted vehicle near Whitlock Lake, abandoned in the woods.
Authorities then decided to scour the area with a K9 team, when they discovered Hickman’s body – along with another deceased victim.
Police have not yet released the identities of those killed in the rampage or how they were related to Hickman, but a profile apparently belonging to Hickman’s ex-wife posted that she and their three children were safe from the rampage.
Chad Hickman, 39, allegedly shot dead three people at a home on LaChance Road in Lake Township on Friday morning before fleeing the scene
Michigan State Police were seen investigating a massive shooting that left six people dead
Authorities said there is no threat to the larger public at this time
‘Just want to let everyone know that me and the kids are safe,’ she posted.
‘And thank you all for loving and caring for me and my family as much as you all do. We love you all.’
The ex-wife, Katie, initiated divorce proceedings in 2023, according to records obtained by the Detroit News.
A motive for the killings remains while authorities work to piece together exactly what happened, though authorities have said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
‘Not only is this difficult for our investigators and our troopers, but it’s very hard for this community. You know, this type of loss is tragic,’ Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Ashley Miller told Up North Live.
She then vowed that troopers are ‘going to conduct a thorough investigation, and we want to make sure to keep our community members up to date on our current situation and what we’re discovering throughout this process.’
Suspected gunman Chad Hickman, 39, was among those found dead in Michigan on Friday
As the investigation now continues, state Representative Ken Borton offered his condolences.
‘Please join me in praying for our Northern Michigan community tonight after the unspeakable acts of violence we saw unfold today, especially send prayers for the six families who lost a loved one today and pray that an additional person, currently fighting for their life, will pull through and make a full recovery,’ he posted on social media.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also posted that she is ‘devastated to hear about the tragic shooting that occurred this afternoon in Missaukee County.
‘As we await more details, my prayers are with the family and loved ones of the victims and the entire Northern Michigan community.’
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also said she was briefed on the shooting and was monitoring the situation.
‘My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community,’ she said.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.