Authorities in Michigan have ruled that eight family members, including two parents and their six children, who were found dead inside their home following a fire late last week, died in a murder-suicide.
Fire crews discovered the bodies around 11:40 a.m. on Friday after responding to a residence on the 14900 block of Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan for a report of smoke.
Sparks identified the deceased adults as Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, and Amanda Karolkiewicz, 39, both of Grand Haven. He did not release the identities for their six kids, but said there were four boys, ages 15, 12, 11, and five, and two girls, both 11 years old. Four of the siblings were the couple's biological children, while the other two were adopted, he added.
The manner of death for Amanda Karolkiewicz and the six children was ruled homicide, while Kristopher Karolkiewicz's death was ruled a suicide. Sparks said the victims were found in multiple rooms throughout the home.
Officials are still working to determine the cause and origin of the blaze, with the assistance of Michigan State Police arson investigators. However, Sparks said it was intentionally set in numerous places throughout the residence, including the first floor and in the basement. He said the family's pets, including several dogs and at least one cat, also died in the fire.
"I can tell you that no suspects remain at large in this incident at this time," Sparks told reporters. "The investigation at this point shows that this was a murder-suicide with a fire being started after the murders."
The captain said the incident could have started the evening prior, but investigators are still working to piece together what led up to the fatal shootings.
"Our hearts are with their family, friends, neighbors, and all who knew and loved them," Perkowski penned. "There are no words that can ease the pain of a loss like that, but we are grateful for the compassion and care our community continues to show one another."