Tragedy struck Michigan when a harrowing shooting claimed the lives of five individuals, including a mother and her son, before the shooter took his own life. The first victims identified in this devastating incident were Amanda Everitt and her teenage son, Eric.
Family members confirmed that the 41-year-old mother and her son were tragically gunned down at their LaChance Road residence in Lake Township on a somber Friday morning.
In addition to Amanda and Eric, the assailant, identified as Chad Hickman, 39, also claimed the life of another person who remains unidentified. Everitt’s 13-year-old daughter, Bella, was critically injured, sharing Michigan State Police findings.
Despite her critical condition, young Bella demonstrated remarkable courage by calling 911 after sustaining a gunshot wound to her arm. Unfortunately, Hickman evaded capture before law enforcement arrived, triggering a widescale search operation.
During the intense manhunt for Hickman, officers discovered another deceased individual at a separate residence, adding to the grim tally of lives lost.
A short time later, troopers found Hickman’s vehicle abandoned near a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake.
Authorities then decided to scour the area with a K9 team, when they discovered Hickman’s body – along with another deceased victim.
Everitt’s father, David Everitt, shared a touching tribute to his daughter and grandson while praising Bella’s strength on Facebook.
Amanda Everitt, 41, and her teenage son, Eric, were shot dead at their Michigan home on Friday
Everitt’s father, David Everitt, shared a touching tribute to his daughter and grandson, who is pictured here on his 16th birthday
‘This world just lost two beautiful people and one is clinging to life,’ he wrote.
‘My daughter Amanda and her two beautiful children were shot in their home yesterday, Amanda and her son Eric went home to be with god and our granddaughter Bella is clinging to life in a Grand Rapids hospital.’
The heartbroken grandfather continued: ‘This is my plea to everyone on this planet to teach their children compassion and kindness not hate and violence so parents and family members do not have to bury their children and brothers and sisters.
‘This was a cowardly act by a evil person and i hope hell gives him his due.
‘God be with you Amanda and Eric and prayers for Bella who while shot four times still managed to call 911 and identify the shooter. She is a hero.’
Police have not confirmed the victims’ identities, and it is unclear if Everitt and her children are related to Hickman or his ex-wife, Katie.
A profile apparently belonging to Hickman’s ex-wife posted that she and their three children were safe from the rampage.
‘Just want to let everyone know that me and the kids are safe,’ she posted.
Everitt’s 13-year-old daughter, Bella, bravely called 911 after she had been shot in the arm and is fighting for her life in the hospital
Chad Hickman, 39, killed five people and left another critically injured before apparently taking his own life
‘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.
It was then finalized last year, when a judge declared that it was ‘uncontested’ that the marriage had allegations of domestic abuse on both sides that were ‘at the heart of the issues before the court.’
A motive for the killings on Friday remains unclear as authorities work to piece together exactly what happened, but police have said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Court records show Hickman was convicted in 2024 of misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children in connection with a 2010 criminal case.
Records obtained by the Daily Mail also suggest he was facing a new civil lawsuit that was filed at the end of July. The details of the case were unclear.
The Daily Mail contacted the Michigan State Police for more information.