5 Killed in Michigan Shooting Spree Before Gunman is Found Dead

MISSAUKEE COUNTY, Mich. — A multi-site shooting rampage across rural northern Michigan ended in tragedy after five people were killed and one critically injured, with the suspected gunman later found dead following a large-scale manhunt.

Michigan State Police identified the suspect as 39-year-old Chad Hickman. Authorities launched an intense search on Friday morning, August 14, 2026 across multiple crime scenes before discovering Hickman’s body in a nearby wooded area.

Troopers were first dispatched around 11:40 a.m. to a residential property in Missaukee County, located about 170 miles northwest of Detroit. Upon arrival, officers discovered three individual’s dead from gunshot wounds and a fourth victim critically injured, who was rushed to a local hospital.

Hickman had fled the scene prior to law enforcement's arrival, triggering a county-wide shelter-in-place advisory and active manhunt as officials warned the public that he was armed and dangerous. As investigators tracked the suspect, a second crime scene was uncovered at another home in the area, where a fourth deceased victim was found.

"This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved. We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as new information becomes available."— Lt. Ashley Miller, Michigan State Police

The manhunt culminated near Whitlock Lake after officers located Hickman’s abandoned vehicle near a heavily wooded area. Upon searching the surrounding woods, troopers discovered the body of Hickman along with a fifth deceased victim.

Police have not yet detailed the exact cause of death for Hickman or the fifth individual found near his vehicle, nor have they confirmed if the victims were known to the suspect.

State police spent the night processing each scene, and officials have withheld the identities and ages of the victims pending complete family notifications.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer confirmed she was briefed on the situation, expressing her condolences to the rural community as state and local investigators work to determine a motive behind the deadly spree.