SH@T FOUR TIMES — 13-YEAR-OLD SURVIVOR STILL FOUND THE STRENGTH TO CALL 911

A 13-year-old Michigan girl survived a devastating shooting spree that left five other victims dead — including her mother and teenage brother.

And despite suffering four gunshot wounds, she managed to reach a phone and call 911.

That call would become a critical moment in the investigation.

 SHE CALLED FOR HELP HERSELF

According to Michigan State Police, the girl called 911 after she had been shot.

She was able to report what had happened and identify the suspected shooter, 39-year-old Chad Hickman.

Investigators were then able to quickly establish the identity of the man they were searching for.

Her grandfather later described her as a hero for making the call despite her injuries.

 HER FAMILY WAS AMONG THE VICTIMS

The shooting began at a home in Lake Township, Missaukee County.

The girl survived, but authorities found three people dead at the first scene.

Her grandfather publicly identified two of them as her mother, Amanda Everitt, 40, and her brother, Eric, 16.

The teenager was taken to hospital in critical condition.

By Saturday, authorities said she had been stabilized and was in stable condition.

THE ATTACK DID NOT END THERE

Police say Hickman fled the first scene and the violence continued across multiple locations.

A 53-year-old man was later found dead at another residence.

A 29-year-old woman and Hickman were subsequently found dead in a wooded area.

In total, authorities reported six deaths, including the suspected shooter.

Investigators were still working to establish the motive and the relationships between Hickman and the victims.

A CALL THAT MAY HAVE SAVED LIVES

The 13-year-old’s decision to call 911 did more than bring emergency help to her location.

Her account helped investigators identify the suspected gunman while he was still at large.

Hickman’s disappearance triggered a major search involving law enforcement resources before his body was discovered in the woods.

Her actions have therefore become one of the most remarkable elements of an otherwise devastating investigation.

 QUESTIONS REMAIN

Authorities are still investigating why the shooting happened, what motivated Hickman and what relationship he had with the victims.

Hickman had a previous misdemeanor child-abuse conviction from 2024, according to court records, but investigators have not established that this explains the latest violence.

 THE SURVIVOR

For now, the focus remains on the young girl recovering in hospital.

She survived an attack that killed members of her family.

She suffered four gunshot wounds.

And when she needed help most, she reached for the phone.

 SHE CALLED 911.

 SHE HAD BEEN SHOT FOUR TIMES.

 SHE HELPED IDENTIFY THE SUSPECT.

 AND SHE SURVIVED.

Her grandfather called her a hero.

For a family now grieving multiple devastating losses, that courage may become one of the most enduring parts of an otherwise heartbreaking story.

Independent commentary based on reporting from police and established news organizations. The investigation into the motive and circumstances remains ongoing.