A Michigan man fatally shot his wife and their six children before setting their home ablaze and taking his own life, according to the [Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office](https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/07/27/michigan-fire-deceased/). Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, killed his 39-year-old wife, Amanda, and their children, who ranged in age from 5 to 15, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Capt. Jake Sparks announced during a news conference covered by [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/michigan-family-fire-shooting-rcna589552).
Ottawa County Authorities Investigate Murder-Suicide Following House Fire
First responders and firefighters arrived at the residence on Riverside Trail in Grand Haven Township on the morning of Friday, July 24, after neighbors reported a house fire, according to details shared by [ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4](https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/07/28/ottawa-county-mans-employment-ended-weeks-before-murder-suicide-of-wife-six-children/). Authorities discovered the bodies in different bedrooms, and forensic autopsies performed at Corewell Health–Blodgett confirmed that all eight family members died from gunshot wounds. The family’s pets, including dogs and at least one cat, also perished from smoke inhalation and the fire.
Investigation Details and Fire Origin
Investigators believe the violence may have started the night before and carried into Friday morning, as neighbors initially reported smelling smoke in the area earlier that day. According to Sparks, preliminary indications show the fire was intentionally set in numerous different locations throughout the interior of the home after the murders took place.
The Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit and arson investigators assisted the sheriff’s office with the probe. Officials stated that the firearm used in the attack was registered to Kristopher Karolkiewicz. Investigators confirmed that there was no prior criminal history for him and no previous police calls made to the home. Furthermore, authorities stated there are no other suspects involved in the incident.
Family Background and Community Response
The couple shared four biological children—boys ages 15, 12, 11, and 5—and two 11-year-old adopted girls. Amanda Karolkiewicz worked as a substitute teacher at Peach Plains Elementary and was recognized by Grand Haven Area Public Schools as a dedicated educator who went above and beyond for students. Her parents described her as a kind and devoted soul who loved her family and students.
Kristopher Karolkiewicz worked remotely as the national vice president of sales and marketing for the American Heart Association, supporting a division responsible for CPR and first aid training and products, from September 2023 until his employment ended earlier in July, according to a statement from the [American Heart Association](https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/07/28/ottawa-county-mans-employment-ended-weeks-before-murder-suicide-of-wife-six-children/).
Grand Haven Area Public Schools Superintendent Kristin Perkowski released a statement expressing deep sadness and noting that the district was preparing support resources for the community. A student-organized vigil was held at Duncan Woods in Grand Haven to grieve and honor the family members.
*If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at [988lifeline.org](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/michigan-family-fire-shooting-rcna589552), or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.*
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