Authorities in Michigan have launched a suspicious death investigation after eight people, including six children, were found dead inside a home that caught fire in Grand Haven Township. At least some of the victims had sustained gunshot wounds, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.
The victims, believed to be related and to have lived at the residence, include six children between the ages of 5 and 15, and two adults in their 40s. Investigators are working to formally identify all eight individuals.
The Grand Haven Fire Department initially responded to reports of smoke in the area between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Friday but could not locate a fire. Later, shortly before 11:45 a.m., deputies and firefighters returned after receiving new reports of white smoke emanating from the home located on Riverside Trail.
After extinguishing the blaze, emergency crews discovered the eight victims inside the residence. Investigators later determined that at least some of the victims had been shot, prompting the suspicious death investigation.
Sheriff's detectives are collaborating with arson investigators from the Michigan State Police on the active investigation. Additional information is anticipated once the victims' autopsies are completed.