The Michigan shooting left five victims dead before the suspected gunman also died following a police manhunt. Meanwhile, a 13-year-old girl survived four gunshot wounds and managed to contact emergency services herself. Her family and members of the community have praised her actions as courageous during the violent attack.
According to Michigan State Police, the teenager called 911 after suffering multiple gunshot wounds at one scene. She remained in critical condition initially, although authorities later reported that her condition had stabilized. Emergency responders transported her to a hospital after locating her at the scene.
Police said investigators quickly identified the suspected attacker after responding to the initial reports. However, officials have not explained publicly how investigators established his identity so quickly. Authorities later identified the suspect as 39-year-old Chad Hickman of Michigan.
Investigators believe Hickman killed five people across three locations in Missaukee County before fleeing. Police subsequently launched a major search involving multiple agencies throughout the surrounding area. Eventually, officers discovered Hickman dead in a wooded location alongside another shooting victim.
Authorities had not immediately determined how Hickman died, and investigators awaited additional findings. Police confirmed that the victims and suspected attacker suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Officials also continued working to establish the precise circumstances surrounding each shooting location.
At the first scene, investigators discovered several victims, including a teenage boy and three adults. They also found the wounded 13-year-old girl, who later received emergency medical treatment. At another residence, police discovered an additional deceased victim during their investigation.
Authorities later located another woman and Hickman in a wooded area near the investigation’s other locations. Police have not yet disclosed the victims’ relationships to Hickman or provided complete identification details. However, relatives publicly identified two victims as Amanda Everitt and her teenage son, Eric.
The family described the deaths as devastating while highlighting the teenager’s determination to seek help. Her grandfather specifically praised her for contacting emergency services despite sustaining four gunshot wounds. Consequently, the girl’s actions have become a central part of the community’s response.
The Michigan shooting has also raised questions about the suspected attacker’s previous interactions with law enforcement. Court records indicate that Hickman received a misdemeanor child-abuse conviction in 2024. He received a one-year prison sentence following proceedings connected to that case.
Investigators continue examining the suspect’s background while working to determine a possible motive. Police have emphasized that the community remains deeply affected by the violence. Furthermore, officials said residents are seeking answers about what prompted the deadly attack.
The incident occurred amid a broader national debate surrounding mass shootings and firearm violence. Data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive indicated that numerous mass killings had occurred across America this year. Such incidents continue to generate calls for stronger measures aimed at preventing future attacks.
Nevertheless, federal lawmakers have repeatedly faced political disagreements over potential changes to gun regulations. Meanwhile, investigators in Michigan remain focused on reconstructing the events that preceded Friday’s violence. They are also working to clarify the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
For the surviving teenager and her family, however, the immediate priority remains recovery. Her decision to call 911 provided investigators with important information during the early response. Despite the tragedy surrounding the Michigan shooting, relatives continue describing her survival and actions as remarkable.
