In the quiet community of Lake City, Michigan, the summer calm was shattered on August 14, 2026, by a tragic and violent event that claimed the life of 16-year-old Eric Everitt. A male teenager with his life ahead of him, Eric was fatally shot at his home on South LaChance Road in Missaukee County. The incident was part of a shooting spree that left a profound scar on the community, ending the lives of multiple people and forever altering the lives of those who survived.
The horrifying
events unfolded when deputies responded to reports of gunfire at the Everitt residence. Upon their arrival, they discovered a devastating scene. Eric and his 41-year-old mother, Amanda Everitt, had both succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds. Another adult male was also found deceased at the home. The sole survivor at the initial scene was Eric's 13-year-old sister, Bella. Despite being shot multiple times and critically injured, she managed to call 911 and identify the assailant, an act of bravery her grandfather later called heroic.
The suspect was quickly identified as 39-year-old Chad Hickman. After fleeing the Everitt home, Hickman's rampage continued, leading to the death of another individual at a separate location. A large-scale manhunt was initiated by law enforcement. The search for Hickman ended when his vehicle was found abandoned near a wooded area. Authorities later discovered Hickman's body in the woods, where he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Another deceased victim was also found with him. The investigation into the motive pointed towards a devastating instance of domestic violence, revealing Hickman had a history of child abuse and a contentious divorce. As the suspect took his own life, there were no arrests or subsequent legal proceedings such as a trial or conviction in this case. The case concluded with the deaths of five victims and the perpetrator, leaving a community to mourn the senseless loss of life, including that of a young man whose future was tragically cut short.
