Authorities in Michigan say a father killed his wife and six children before setting their home on fire while he remained inside. The suspect, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, is believed to have committed murder-suicide.
Eight people were found dead Friday after firefighters responded to a house fire. All had gunshot wounds. The adults were identified as Kristopher and Amanda Karolkiewicz, 39. The six children—four boys aged 15, 12, 11, and 5, and two girls both aged 11—have not been named. Two of them were adopted.
Investigation details
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office said Karolkiewicz started the fire in multiple places after carrying out the murders. In a press release, the sheriff's office stated: 'The cause and origin of the residential fire remains under investigation by Michigan State Police arson investigators. However, preliminary indications are that the fire was intentionally set in numerous places throughout the interior of the residence.' The family pets also perished in the fire.
The Grand Haven Fire Department first responded between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday after reports of a smoke smell, but could not locate the fire. They returned around 11:45 a.m. after reports of smoke coming from a house.
Community reaction
Amanda's stepfather, Steve Lawwill, wrote that he was 'so grateful for the joy they brought into our life' and that the family is 'just so shattered.' There are no additional suspects, authorities said.
