MI Man Suspected Of Killing 5 Was Convicted Of Child Abuse, Records Show

MISSAUKEE COUNTY, MI — Chad Hickman, who was found dead on Friday after police said he fatally shot five people and critically injured another, was previously convicted of child abuse and faced allegations of domestic abuse against his ex-wife, according to a report citing court records.

Michigan State Police believe Hickman, 39, shot several people at various locations in Missaukee County on Friday. Hickman was later found dead in a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township.

While searching for Hickman, the Missaukee County Sheriff's said he was considered "armed and dangerous" and warned the public not to approach him.

Court Records Show Troubled Past

Hickman was convicted in 2024 of misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children, according to court records reviewed by The Detroit News. He was sentenced to 365 days in jail, while several other charges, including felony sexual conduct and assault charges, were dismissed.

The case stemmed from allegations by his ex-wife, Katie Hickman, who filed for divorce in 2023. In a 2025 divorce ruling, a judge described their marriage as marked by "significant dysfunction and mutual toxicity," with both parties accusing the other of domestic violence.

Related: 6 Dead, Including Suspect, In Northern Michigan Mass Shooting: State Police

Katie Hickman alleged she experienced physical and sexual threats and financial control during the marriage. The judge found both sides made credible but inconsistent claims and ultimately resolved their disputes over property and finances.

In an Oct. 11 Facebook post, Hickman denied his ex-wife's allegations, accusing her of lying to gain an advantage in their divorce and praising the judge for relying on evidence.

His Facebook page includes other posts criticizing Katie Hickman, including an allegation that she broke into his apartment and stole his belongings.

What's Known So Far

According to a news release from state police, troopers were dispatched at 11:40 a.m. Friday to a home on South LaChance Road in Lake Township for a report of a person shot.

There, troopers found three people dead and one person in critical condition, who was taken to an area hospital.

Police said the suspect, identified as Hickman, fled before troopers arrived, prompting a large-scale police response and searches from the MSP Emergency Support Team and its aviation and canine units.

As the search for Hickman continued, state police said a fourth person was found dead at a second, separate home in Missaukee County.

Troopers also saw Hickman's vehicle near a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township, officials said.

While continuing the search, state police said troopers found Hickman and another person dead in the wooded area.

As of Saturday morning, none of the victims had been identified.