Missaukee County Tragedy Deepens as Family Identifies Amanda Everitt and Teenage Son

 A 13-year-old girl’s call for help became a moment in a deadly Missaukee County shooting that left her mother, teenage brother, and others. Identified by family members as Bella, she was wounded in the arm but managed to contact 911, providing information that helped authorities focus their search on a suspected gunman. Her survival has added a deeply personal dimension to a tragedy that has devastated families. Her call mattered.

Family members identified 41-year-old Amanda Everitt and her teenage son, Eric, as two of the people killed Friday morning at a residence on LaChance Road. Michigan State Police had not publicly confirmed the identities of all victims, while authorities continued working to establish a complete account of the violence. Relatives described Amanda and Eric as beloved family members, leaving loved ones confronting an unimaginable loss. The loss has shaken relatives.

According to investigators, Bella was also shot and remained in critical condition after being transported to a hospital in Grand Rapids. Despite her injuries, authorities said she was able to make the call and provide details that assisted investigators in identifying the suspected shooter. Her actions have been praised by her grandfather, David Everitt, who described her response as extraordinarily courageous despite her injuries. Doctors continued providing care.

Police identified the suspected gunman as 39-year-old Chad Hickman and said he fled before officers arrived, triggering a major search nearby. Investigators linked him to the shooting that initially left multiple people dead near LaChance and Kelly roads, while family members said Hickman also killed his sister, Heather. As officers continued searching, another deceased person was discovered at a separate location, complicating the timeline. Officers faced a changing investigation.

The search eventually led authorities toward woods near Whitlock Lake, where Hickman’s vehicle was found abandoned. With assistance from a K9 team, troopers searched the area and later located Hickman’s body along with another deceased victim. Officials have not released a complete list of those killed or provided a timeline connecting the deaths at different locations. Investigators were working to distinguish confirmed facts from reports surrounding the violence.

For Amanda’s father, David Everitt, the loss has brought grief for both his daughter and grandson while also inspiring a message about compassion. He praised Bella for finding the strength to call for help after being wounded and urged people to teach children kindness and reject violence. His words reflect the pain behind the investigation and the family’s effort to find meaning after a devastating event. His tribute showed the family’s pain.

Questions remain about relationships among Hickman and the victims. Police have not confirmed whether Amanda and her children were related to Hickman or his former wife, Katie, reports indicated Katie and her three children were safe. Court records reportedly show that Katie filed for divorce from Hickman in 2023, with the divorce finalized in 2024, and documents referenced allegations of domestic abuse; investigators have not linked that history to the shooting. The circumstances have left relatives searching for answers.

Hickman’s prior criminal record has drawn attention, though its relevance remains unknown. Court records show he was convicted in 2024 of misdemeanor charges involving fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children stemming from a 2010 case, but authorities have not announced motive. Meanwhile, Michigan State Police examine evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the events while emphasizing that there is currently no ongoing threat to the wider public.