LAKE CITY (WWJ) The family of two victims of a mass shooting in northern Michigan’s Missaukee County has started a GoFundMe campaign for a 13-year-old girl who survived the attack.
13-year-old Bella lost both her mother and 16-year-old brother in a killing spree that claimed five lives, in addition to the suspect.
Bella was also shot four times, but is in stable condition as of Saturday afternoon, her family said.
“In the middle of a nightmare no child should ever have to endure, Bella was still able to call 911 and identify the shooter, showing incredible courage and strength,” Bella’s cousin, Kailey Kozminski, wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Bella’s mother, 40-year-old Amanda and Bella’s brother Eric, both died in the shooting.
Kozminski, who started the page, said the donations will be used to cover Amanda and Eric’s funeral costs, medical expenses to help Bella heal emotionally and physically, and to make it financially feasible for Bella’s dad to stay with her in the Grand Rapids area while she recovers.
“Their families are carrying the heavy weight of devastating loss while also trying to support Bella through the difficult road ahead, and any help will mean so much during this difficult time,” Kozminski wrote.
According to Michigan State Police (MSP), a 53-year-old man, a 45-year-old man, and a 29-year-old woman also lost their lives in the shooting.
Authorities found the 29-year-old dead in the woods, along with the suspect, 39-year-old Chad Hickman.
Troopers found Bella in critical condition, and the bodies of her brother, mother, and the 45-year-old man at one home. Bella’s grandfather told MLive the 45-year-old man was Amanda’s live-in boyfriend.
At a second home, troopers discovered the body of a 53-year-old man.
Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the killing spree.
Missaukee County is a sparsely populated rural county of about 15,200 residents—about 25 miles west of Houghton Lake.
Bella’s grandfather told Cadillac News that Bella spoke again on Sunday for the first time since the shooting, but has “a long road ahead of her.”
As of Monday, August 17th, the GoFundMe has raised over $12,000 of its $25,000 goal. DONATE HERE.
Bella's family says she called 911 and identified the shooter in the middle of the shooting.
Bella's family says she called 911 and identified the shooter in the middle of the shooting.
