Michigan authorities are investigating suspected foul play after eight people, among them six children, were discovered dead Friday inside a burning home, with officials saying some of the victims had suffered gunshot wounds.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office opened a suspicious death investigation after crews responded to a house fire in Grand Haven Township and found multiple people dead inside the residence.
Officials said the victims, all believed to be members of the same family, included six children ages 5 to 15 and two adults in their 40s.
Law enforcement officers work at the scene in Grand Haven Township, Michigan, where eight family members, including six children, were found dead inside a home. (WXMI)
Investigators believe all eight victims lived at the Grand Haven Township home and are continuing efforts to formally confirm their identities.
The Grand Haven Fire Department was first called to the area between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday after reports of a smoke odor, but firefighters were not able to find an active fire at that time.
Deputies and firefighters returned shortly before 11:45 a.m. after receiving new reports of white smoke coming from a house in the 14900 block of Riverside Trail.
Authorities investigate a Grand Haven Township, Michigan, home after eight family members, including six children, were found dead. Police said at least one victim had been shot. (WXMI)
After extinguishing the fire, emergency crews discovered the eight victims inside the residence.
The sheriff’s office said investigators later determined that at least some of the victims had been shot.
A home in Grand Haven Township, Michigan, where eight family members, including six children, were found dead after a fire Friday. Authorities said at least one victim had been shot. (WXMI)
Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional information is expected following the completion of the victims’ autopsies.
Sheriff’s detectives are investigating alongside arson investigators with the Michigan State Police.
