Father Kills Wife and Six Children Before Setting Family Home Ablaze

A Michigan family of eight was found dead inside their burning home Friday in what authorities have determined was a murder-suicide.

Investigators said 47-year-old Kristopher Karolkiewicz killed his wife, Amanda Karolkiewicz, 39, and their six children before taking his own life inside the family’s home in Grand Haven Township.

The couple had four biological children and two adopted children, ranging in age from 5 to 15. All eight members of the family were discovered dead inside the house.

“The investigation shows that this was a murder-suicide,” Capt. Jacob Sparks of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

Autopsy results confirmed that Kristopher, Amanda and all six children died from gunshot wounds.

Authorities also determined that the fire was deliberately set in multiple locations throughout the house, although investigators have not identified where the blaze first began.

Amanda, who was known as Mandy, worked as an elementary school teacher. She had previously written a personal blog describing her deep love for her family and her Christian faith.

The blog was last updated in 2016.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a possible motive for the killings as the investigation into the devastating case continues.