Mom and Teen Son ID’d as Victims of Mich. Shooting Rampage, as 13-Year-Old Daughter Survives

A tragic incident unfolded in Lake Township, Michigan, last Friday, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including a mother and her teenage son. Amanda Everitt, 40, and her 16-year-old son, Eric, were among the victims of the shooting that has deeply shaken the local community. In a moment of harrowing bravery, Amanda’s 13-year-old daughter, Bella, survived the attack despite being shot four times and was able to place a call to emergency services.

The shooting took place at a residence on South LaChance Road shortly before midday. Responding officers discovered the two deceased victims at the scene, alongside a 45-year-old man, whose identity had not been released. Bella, who demonstrated remarkable courage, was initially taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition before being transferred to Grand Rapids, where she underwent emergency surgery. Reports indicate that she is now in stable condition.

In a poignant tribute to her niece and nephew, Amanda’s family set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses and to provide ongoing support for Bella’s recovery. David Everitt, Amanda’s father, shared a heart-wrenching message on social media, describing Bella as a “hero” for her actions during the ordeal. “Our granddaughter Bella is clinging to life in a Grand Rapids hospital,” he stated, imploring others to teach their children compassion and kindness to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Amidst this heartache, details about the suspected shooter, 39-year-old Chad Hickman, have surfaced. Following the initial shooting, a search was launched, involving emergency support teams and K-9 units. Law enforcement later discovered Hickman’s vehicle near Whitlock Lake, where he was found deceased alongside a 29-year-old woman. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have not yet been clarified by the authorities.

The police confirmed that all five victims succumbed to gunshot wounds, yet the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Efforts to understand Hickman’s relationship with the victims and his potential motives are ongoing, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence.

Previous legal issues surrounding Hickman have further complicated the narrative of this tragic event. In 2024, he had been convicted of fourth-degree child abuse and had received a one-year jail sentence, while more severe charges such as felony assault and criminal sexual conduct were dismissed as part of the case. This history raises further questions about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

The local community, still reeling from the shocking violence, has rallied to support the Everitt family during this difficult time. The GoFundMe campaign not only aims to ease the financial burden associated with the untimely deaths of Amanda and Eric but also seeks to ensure that Bella receives the care she needs as she continues her recovery journey.

People across the state have expressed their sorrow and anger over the incident, with many emphasising the need for increased awareness and preventative measures surrounding gun violence. As details emerge and investigations continue, the community hopes for a deeper understanding of the tragic events that led to this heartbreaking loss.

The resilience shown by Bella in the face of such adversity stands as a beacon of hope and strength amid the anguish. As she fights to recover, the support of her family, friends, and community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her healing process.