Chad Hickman, the Michigan man accused of killing five people in a deadly shooting spree before being found dead, had a troubled personal history that included a child abuse conviction and a bitter divorce battle, according to court records.

Hickman, 39, had been involved in a long-running and contentious legal dispute with his former wife, Katie Frye. Court documents describe their marriage as highly volatile, with both sides making serious allegations against one another.

Hickman was convicted in 2024 of fourth-degree child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of children in connection with a 2010 case. He was sentenced to one year in Missaukee County jail. Other charges in the case were dismissed, including two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

During the divorce proceedings, Frye alleged that Hickman had used threats and various forms of intimidation to control her. She also accused him of creating financial difficulties within the marriage.

Court records indicate that friends and relatives described the relationship as deeply troubled, with allegations of conflict and violence involving both parties. A judge ultimately described the marriage as “toxic” and “defined by volatility.”

The couple’s marriage was officially dissolved in July 2025, but their legal dispute was still ongoing when Friday’s deadly events unfolded. A court hearing had been scheduled for September 1.

Hickman strongly denied his former wife’s allegations in social media posts, claiming that she had made false accusations during their divorce proceedings.

It remains unclear whether the prolonged legal conflict played any role in the shooting.

Authorities said Hickman opened fire at a home in Lake Township around 11:40 a.m. Friday. Three people were killed and another person was critically injured at the first location.

Two additional victims were later discovered at separate locations, including one in a wooded area near Whitlock Lake.

The shootings triggered a major search for Hickman, with police warning residents that he was considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities eventually found Hickman dead in a wooded area near the lake. Officials had not immediately released details about how he died.

Michigan State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings, including what may have motivated the attack.

The victims had not yet been publicly identified as of Saturday afternoon.

The case has left the small Michigan community struggling to understand how a man with a documented history of personal and legal troubles became involved in such a devastating act of violence.