Daylight Rampage Shocks Rural County

Six people were killed and a seventh was gravely wounded in a daylight shooting that raced across rural Missaukee County, Michigan.

Story Snapshot

Michigan State Police said six people died across three locations, including the suspect.
Troopers were first dispatched around 11:40 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
Investigators identified the suspect as 39-year-old Chad Hickman.
Police said there was no ongoing threat after the search ended.

A Multi-Scene Rampage In A Quiet County

Michigan State Police said the first call came at about 11:40 a.m. to a home on South LaChance Road in Lake Township. Troopers found three people dead and one person in critical condition. The suspect had fled before officers arrived. Investigators soon located a fourth victim dead at a second home in Missaukee County.

A focused search then moved toward wooded land near Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township, where troopers found the suspect and another deceased individual, bringing the death toll to six.

Authorities identified the suspect as 39-year-old Chad Hickman. Reporters at the scene described a heavy police presence and a methodical search that covered roads, lakeside trails, and tree lines.

Police confirmed Hickman was located dead near Whitlock Lake alongside another victim. Several outlets reported that he is believed to have died by suicide, though officials emphasized the investigation was still active. Police asked the public to steer clear of the scenes while forensic teams worked.

The Survivor’s Call And A Swift Response

A 13-year-old girl who had been shot called 911 and guided responders to the first home, according to local and national reporting. Medics rushed her to a hospital in critical condition. Her quick call set the timeline in motion and likely saved time for police and medical teams.

Local coverage named her as Bella Everett and reported she survived the initial attack. Officials did not immediately release further medical updates. The identity process for the deceased continued as next-of-kin were notified.

Teen boy among 6 dead including suspect in Michigan shootings; girl survived @WashTimes https://t.co/21bKfCyRp0

— Washington Times Local (@WashTimesLocal) August 15, 2026

Officers worked three active scenes while also searching for the suspect. That kind of split response strains any rural department. Michigan State Police coordinated with local units to seal off roads, interview neighbors, and preserve evidence.

The agency updated the public with a clear message that there was no ongoing threat after Hickman was found. That calmed fears in nearby townships where families had sheltered in place. The measured communication matched best practice for public safety messaging.

What We Know About Places, People, And Timing

The known locations form a rough triangle across Lake Township and Caldwell Township. The first home sat near South LaChance Road. The second home was elsewhere in Missaukee County. The search ended near Whitlock Lake.

The sequence remained consistent across outlets: three dead and one wounded at scene one, one dead at scene two, and two dead near the lake, including the suspect. The reporting also aligned on the first dispatch time near 11:40 a.m. Friday. Such alignment across sources raises confidence in the core facts.

41-year-old Amanda Everitt and her 16-year-old son, Eric Everitt were killed at their home in Friday’s shooting spree across Missaukee County, Michigan.

Amanda’s 13-year-old daughter remains hospitalized in critical condition after reportedly being shot four times. pic.twitter.com/c5M8mE5Kvw

— Newtown Action Alliance ❌👑 (@NewtownAction) August 16, 2026

Reporters asked about motive and victim relationships. Police said investigators were still piecing those links together. Some coverage referenced local family names and prior contacts with law enforcement, but officials did not issue a full public roster.

That restraint is standard as detectives secure statements, phone records, and forensic lab results. As for the weapon or weapons, agencies have not publicly detailed ballistics. Those findings usually follow once the medical examiner and lab reports are complete.

Community Impact And Practical Lessons

Neighbors described a county in shock. Rural places tend to feel safe by habit and by distance. A rapid, multi-scene attack cuts through that sense at once. The police focus on “no further threat” matters here.

People need to know if they can pick up kids, return to church, or drive back roads without fear. Clear lines of communication, fast scene security, and disciplined public updates serve that need. In this case, the cadence of updates followed that playbook well.

One more hard truth stands out. A single brave call can change the outcome. The 13-year-old survivor’s 911 call sped care to the wounded and set the perimeter for officers.

In any home, that is worth drilling with kids and adults alike: call first, give the address, say what happened, stay on the line, and follow directions. In rural counties where help must cover long miles, those first clear words can save lives before sirens can be heard.