The couple who were found dead in a burning house in Michigan — along with their six children — have been identified, as authorities investigate their deaths as a potential murder-suicide.
Mandy Karolkiewicz, 39, Kris Karolkiewicz, 47, and their six children, ages 5 to 15, were found dead inside their Grand Haven Township home on Friday, their relatives confirmed.
Some of the family had gunshot wounds when they were found in the home, which was engulfed in flames Friday, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Captain Jake Sparks said. The family was found after authorities put out the blaze.
Investigators have been working to determine the causes of death of the family. Authorities have not said how many had suffered gunshot wounds.
Mandy Karolkiewicz’s stepfather, Steve Lawwill, told The Detroit News that he and his wife are waiting for autopsy results for the rest of the family and a statement from police before they share more information.
The 39-year-old, who was a substitute teacher in the Grand Haven Area Public Schools, was recognized by the district for her impact on students.
“This year, our staff have been able to submit shoutouts for what we call Gold Standard Moments — recognizing the impact they see in their fellow Buccaneer colleagues across the district,” the district wrote on Facebook in January. “One of those moments shines a spotlight on Amanda ‘Mandy’ Karolkiewicz, a Premier Substitute Teacher at Peach Plains.”
“Mandy goes above and beyond for students, especially when they’re having a hard day, responding with empathy, patience, and care. She pours her heart into her work, is always willing to help wherever needed, and helps make Peach Plains a better place to learn and work,” the submission read.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools said it would provide grief support resources for the community after the news came out that the beloved substitute teacher had been found dead.
“Regardless of the details that may emerge, this is a devastating incident and a tragic loss for our community,” Superintendent Kristen Perkowski said in a letter to the district on Friday. “Our hearts are with all those impacted, and we know many throughout our community may be grieving and struggling to process this news.”
Authorities are investigating the deaths as a possible murder suicide, but have not confirmed the causes of death for any of the eight people.
Sparks, the sheriff’s captain, said Friday that it was a “complicated” and “complex” scene.
However, police were not looking for any outside suspects, NBC News reported.
Mandy Karolkiewicz’s older sister, Molly Cessna, also confirmed her death on Facebook.
“My little sister Mandy, her husband, and my six nieces and nephews,” she wrote. “Everything’s just blurry. Please continue to pray, friends. Please continue to pray as we try and piece everything together.”
“Our hearts are utterly shattered. Tragic doesn’t even touch it,” she added.
Her stepfather and mother also shared their own post about the loss of their daughter, including a full family shot of them with the couple and their six children.
“So grateful for the joy they brought into our life. We are just so shattered,” the grief-stricken parents wrote.
Sheriff’s detectives are working with Michigan State Police arson investigators as the investigation continues pending autopsies.
The Independent has contacted the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police for comment.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
