The ex-wife of a Michigan man accused of killing five people and leaving another critically injured before he apparently took his own life has said she and their three children are safe.

Chad Hickman, 39, allegedly shot three people dead at a home on LaChance Road in Lake Township on Friday morning before fleeing the scene.

When authorities then received a call from an unidentified 13-year-old who reported that she had been shot in the arm, they raced to the scene, where they found the three victims dead and a fourth victim critically injured.

The shocking site sparked a massive manhunt for Hickman, whom Michigan State Police considered ‘armed and dangerous.’

As the search continued, authorities located the body of a fourth victim inside a separate home, and a short time later, troopers found Hickman’s vehicle abandoned near a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake. 

Authorities then decided to scour the area with a K9 team, when they discovered Hickman’s body – along with another deceased victim.

Police have not yet released the identities of those killed in the rampage or how they were related to Hickman, but a profile apparently belonging to Hickman’s ex-wife posted that she and their three children were safe from the rampage.

Chad Hickman, 39, allegedly shot dead three people at a home on LaChance Road in Lake Township on Friday morning before fleeing the scene

Michigan State Police were seen investigating a massive shooting that left six people dead

Authorities said there is no threat to the larger public at this time

‘Just want to let everyone know that me and the kids are safe,’ she posted. 

‘And thank you all for loving and caring for me and my family as much as you all do. We love you all.’

The ex-wife, Katie, initiated divorce proceedings in 2023, according to records obtained by the Detroit News. 

It was then finalized last year, when a judge declared that it was ‘uncontested’ that the marriage had allegations of domestic abuse on both sides that were ‘at the heart of the issues before the court.’

‘Testimony and evidence presented by both parties confirm that the relationship was marked by significant dysfunction and mutual toxicity,’ Judge Melissa Ransom wrote in her ruling. 

‘Each party submitted evidence, including testimony from friends and family members, describing instances of domestic violence attributed to both the Plaintiff and the Defendant.’

She went on to note that Katie Hickman told the court how her marriage to Chad ‘was characterized by control, coercion and fear.’

‘She testified that she lacked access to financial resources and marital assets, and was compelled to make decisions and commitments under threats of harm, including physical violence, sexual assault and financial control.’ 

Katie, Chad’s ex-wife, said she and their three children are safe

Chad Hickman divorced from his ex-wife, Katie, in 2025

A motive for the killings remains while authorities work to piece together exactly what happened, though authorities have said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

‘Not only is this difficult for our investigators and our troopers, but it’s very hard for this community. You know, this type of loss is tragic,’ Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Ashley Miller told Up North Live. 

She then vowed that troopers are ‘going to conduct a thorough investigation, and we want to make sure to keep our community members up to date on our current situation and what we’re discovering throughout this process.’

Suspected gunman Chad Hickman, 39, was among those found dead in Michigan on Friday

As the investigation now continues, state Representative Ken Borton offered his condolences.

‘Please join me in praying for our Northern Michigan community tonight after the unspeakable acts of violence we saw unfold today, especially send prayers for the six families who lost a loved one today and pray that an additional person, currently fighting for their life, will pull through and make a full recovery,’ he posted on social media.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also posted that she is ‘devastated to hear about the tragic shooting that occurred this afternoon in Missaukee County.

‘As we await more details, my prayers are with the family and loved ones of the victims and the entire Northern Michigan community.’ 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer also said she was briefed on the shooting and was monitoring the situation.

‘My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community,’ she said.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.