BEFORE THE MICHIGAN SHOOTING RAMPAGE, THERE WERE YEARS OF WARNING SIGNS

Before Chad Hickman allegedly killed five people across three Michigan locations and then died, court records had already documented a troubling history of violence, aggression and domestic conflict.

Hickman, 39, was identified by Michigan State Police as the suspected gunman in the August 14 shooting spree that left six people dead, including Hickman, while a 13-year-old girl survived after being shot four times and calling 911.

But investigators are now looking beyond the final hours — and into the history that came before them.

A PRIOR CHILD ABUSE CONVICTION

Court records show Hickman pleaded guilty in 2024 to misdemeanor child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The case stemmed from an earlier incident dating back to 2010. More serious allegations from that case, including assault and criminal sexual conduct, were ultimately dismissed.

He was sentenced to jail time.

Then came years of increasingly bitter conflict with his former wife.

A TROUBLED MARRIAGE

Hickman and his ex-wife, Katie Hickman, became involved in a contentious divorce proceeding that stretched from 2023 into 2025.

Court filings contained allegations of domestic violence and controlling behavior from both sides.

Neighbors later described Hickman as increasingly hostile and aggressive, with one neighbor saying his behavior became so concerning that he feared Hickman might eventually hurt someone.

Those accounts now carry a disturbing weight in the aftermath of the shooting spree.

THEN CAME AUGUST 14

The violence began Friday morning in Missaukee County, Michigan.

Troopers responding to a home in Lake Township found three people dead and a 13-year-old girl critically wounded.

She had been shot four times.

But she survived — and managed to call 911.

Her information helped authorities identify Hickman as the suspected shooter.

As police launched a massive search, another victim was discovered at a second location.

Eventually, Hickman’s vehicle was located near Whitlock Lake.

In the surrounding woods, investigators found Hickman and another deceased person.

By the end of the search, five alleged victims and Hickman were dead.

THE QUESTION NOW

Authorities have not publicly established a motive.

They are still determining the exact relationships between Hickman and the victims, while processing evidence from multiple crime scenes.

But his documented history is becoming an important part of the story.

A prior child-abuse conviction.

A bitter divorce.

Allegations of domestic violence.

Neighbors describing escalating aggression.

And then a deadly shooting spree that left an entire Michigan community searching for answers.

Could the warning signs have been recognized earlier?

That question may become one of the most difficult parts of the investigation.

Authorities have identified Chad Hickman as the suspected gunman. The investigation remains ongoing, and not all reported allegations from his previous legal disputes were proven in court.