Couple identified after family of 8 found dead in suspected Michigan murder-suicide

A couple found dead with their six children inside a Michigan home have been identified, according to local media. At least some of the victims had been shot, and authorities are investigating the possibility of a murder-suicide.

A family member identified the couple to The Detroit News as Amanda “Mandy” and Kristopher Karolkiewicz. They shared six children, who ranged in age from 5 to 15.

The family of eight was found on Friday inside their home on Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township after firefighters responded to reports of smoke.

Fire crews were initially sent to the area at about 8:30 a.m. after callers reported smelling smoke, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. They were unable to find a fire and left.

Additional calls came in shortly after 11:40 a.m., including a report that the house was full of smoke and white smoke was coming from a window.

Firefighters entered the home to extinguish the fire, clear the smoke and search for occupants. They found two adults in their 40s and six children dead inside.

“Some of the victims inside the residence did have gunshot wounds to their bodies,” Sheriff’s Capt. Jacob Sparks said.

Authorities have not determined how each family member died. Deputies are considering the possibility of a murder-suicide.