Authorities say a Michigan father killed his wife and six children before deliberately setting their house on fire.
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.
The deaths of a family of eight in western Michigan have been classified by investigators as a murder-suicide.
Kristopher Karolkiewicz, Amanda Karolkiewicz and their six children, who ranged in age from 5 to 15, were found dead Friday at their Grand Haven Township home near Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline. Emergency crews were first called to the residence that morning for a possible fire, but no flames were located at the time. Shortly before noon, authorities received another call reporting white smoke coming from the house.
Firefighters later battled the blaze and searched the home for anyone inside. During that search, crews discovered multiple bodies in bedrooms throughout the residence.
Deputies said the six children included four boys, ages 5, 11, 12 and 15, and two 11-year-old girls. Investigators said four of the children were Kristopher and Amanda’s biological children, while two had been adopted.
According to investigators, all eight family members died from gunshot wounds. Police determined the deaths of Amanda and the six children were homicides, while Kristopher’s death was ruled a suicide. Capt. Jake Sparks said during a Monday news conference that a registered handgun was recovered at the scene.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy that we may never completely understand,” Sheriff Eric DeBoer said in a statement shared during the news conference.
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Michigan State Police believe the fire was intentionally set in numerous places inside the home. The family pets, several dogs and a cat, also died due to the fire and smoke. Investigators believe the fire was set after the murders.
The cause and origin of the fires remain under investigation, though officials say they started in the basement and first floor. It’s unclear at this time when the situation began; the sheriff’s office said it could’ve started a day prior.
Amanda was a substitute at Peach Plains Elementary in the Grand Haven Area Public Schools district, where their children attended school. Kristopher was a national vice president at the American Heart Association before his “employment ended” earlier this month. A family friend told WZZM he was fired.
Detectives said there was no note recovered from the scene, but they have seized “a lot” of documentation they plan to investigate, Sparks said.
Dozens of community members, friends and family came to a vigil Sunday to remember the family. The pastor who led the prayer circle reminded attendees that it’s natural to have questions, doubts and anger during such difficult times, emphasizing that “God invites it.”
Amanda is remembered as a teacher who served with “kindness, compassion and a willingness to step in wherever she was needed.” Read a full statement from Grand Haven Area Public Schools here.
The Associated Press contributed.
