Amanda Everitt and son, Eric killed in Missaukee County Shooting, Suspect Chad Hickman Killed Himself

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MISSAUKEE COUNTY, Mich. — A mother and her teenage son have been identified by family members as two of the victims in a deadly shooting in Missaukee County that left five people dead, including the suspected gunman, and critically injured a 13-year-old girl. Family members identified the victims as 41-year-old Amanda Everitt and her teenage son, Eric. They were reportedly killed Friday morning at a residence on LaChance Road in the Lake City area.

Michigan State Police have not yet publicly confirmed the identities of all of the victims. According to information released during the investigation, Everitt’s 13-year-old daughter, Bella, was also shot and critically injured. Authorities said the girl managed to call 911 after being wounded in the arm and provided information that helped investigators identify the suspected shooter. Police said the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, fled the area before officers arrived, prompting a large-scale search throughout the surrounding area.

The young survivor was transported to a hospital in Grand Rapids for treatment, where she remained in critical condition. Investigators said Hickman was connected to the shooting that initially left multiple people dead at a residence near LaChance and Kelly roads. Family members said Everitt and her son Eric were among those killed. Another person was also found dead at the residence. During the subsequent search for Hickman, authorities discovered another deceased person at a separate location.

Troopers later located Hickman’s vehicle abandoned near a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake. Authorities conducted a search of the surrounding area with assistance from a K9 team. Investigators eventually found Hickman’s body in the wooded area along with another deceased victim. Authorities have not publicly released the identities of all those killed or provided a complete timeline of the shootings.

Amanda Everitt’s father, David Everitt, shared a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter and grandson while praising Bella for her actions following the shooting. He described Amanda and Eric as two beloved members of the family and said Bella showed extraordinary courage by calling 911 despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

David also urged people to teach children compassion and kindness and spoke out against violence in the wake of the tragedy. Questions remain about the relationship between Hickman and the victims. Police have not confirmed whether Amanda Everitt and her children were related to Hickman or his former wife, identified in reports as Katie. A social media profile apparently belonging to Hickman’s former wife indicated that she and her three children were safe following the shooting.

Court records indicate that Katie filed for divorce from Hickman in 2023, with the divorce finalized the following year. Court documents reportedly referenced allegations of domestic abuse involving both parties. Court records show Hickman was convicted in 2024 of misdemeanor charges involving fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children stemming from a 2010 criminal case.

It remains unclear whether his prior criminal history played any role in Friday’s violence. Authorities have not yet announced a motive for the Missaukee County shooting. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence, interview witnesses and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the killings. Despite the extensive manhunt, Michigan State Police have said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The investigation remains active, and additional information, including the identities of the remaining victims and the circumstances surrounding Hickman’s death, is expected to be released as authorities continue their work.