GRAND HAVEN TWP. (WWJ) -- A shocking case remains under investigation in West Michigan, where sheriff's detectives say they believe a man killed his family, including six children, in a murder-suicide.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that it has determined all eight members of the family were shot before the house, on Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township, was set on fire.
Officials said the father, 47-year-old Kristopher Karolkiewicz, turned the gun on himself after the homicides of his wife 39-year-old Amanda Karolkiewicz, and their six kids.
The sheriff's office confirmed they were a 5-year-old boy, an 11-year-old boy and two 11-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy. Two of the six kids were adopted.
Fire crews found their bodies inside the house, early Friday afternoon. Autopsies determined all eight people in the home died of gunshot wounds. The family pets also died due to fire and smoke.
The fire is believed to have been intentionally set by the father at several points within the home, the sheriff's office said.
Community members hosted a vigil at a local park over the weekend. Grand Haven Area Public Schools said they will provide support for students who need it.
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 877-88-SILENT.
