Deaths of Michigan couple, 6 children ruled murder-suicide

The deaths of a Michigan couple and their six children have been ruled a murder-suicide, with investigators determining that the man shot and killed his family, set several fires throughout their home and then killed himself. All eight died of gunshot wounds.

The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office announced the findings Monday, three days after deputies and firefighters responded to reports of smoke at the home in the 14900 block of Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township at about 11:42 a.m. Friday. Firefighters entered the home and found eight bodies inside.

The adults were identified as Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, and his wife, Amanda Karolkiewicz, 39. The names of their children were not released, but officials said they were four boys, ages 15, 12, 11 and 5, and two 11-year-old girls. Four were biological children and two were adopted.

Autopsies found that all eight died of gunshot wounds. The deaths of Amanda and the six children were ruled homicides, while Kristopher’s death was ruled a suicide.

Investigators believe Kristopher killed his family before intentionally setting fires at several locations on the first floor and in the basement, and then taking his own life. The basement sustained more damage than the main floor.

A final report on the cause and origin of the fire has not been completed, but preliminary findings show it was intentionally set. Several dogs and at least one cat also died from the fire or smoke inhalation.

Officials believe the incident may have begun the night before and continued into early Friday morning. People in the area reported smelling smoke early Friday, several hours before smoke from the home was reported to emergency services.

A handgun was used and investigators believe it was registered. The sheriff’s office was not aware of any previous law enforcement calls to the home.

No motive has been identified. The investigation remains open as detectives examine what happened leading up to the killings.