Michigan Murder-Suicide: Mother Likely Died Before Children, Police Say

Police have revealed a new detail in the investigation into a murder-suicide in Grand Haven, Michigan, stating that the mother of six, Amanda Karolkiewicz, "likely died earlier" than her six children. The family of eight, including Kristopher Karolkiewicz, 47, Amanda Karolkiewicz, 39, and their children aged 5 to 15, were found dead in their home with gunshot wounds.

Autopsies confirmed that Amanda Karolkiewicz and the six children were killed, while Kristopher Karolkiewicz died by suicide. The father is accused of fatally shooting his wife and children before setting the house on fire. The blaze also resulted in the deaths of at least three dogs and a cat.

According to death certificates, all eight family members sustained gunshot wounds to the head. Amanda Karolkiewicz's death is noted as occurring "on or after" July 23, with a date of injury listed as July 24. The six children – Keegan, 15; Bennett, 12; Smith, 11; Ella, 11; Caroline, 11; and Theodore, 5 – as well as Kristopher Karolkiewicz, all died on July 24. The specific times of death for each victim are still unknown.

Ottawa Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jacob Sparks told WLNS that while an exact timeline is still being established, evidence and autopsy results indicate Amanda Karolkiewicz likely died before the children. The bodies of the family members were discovered in various rooms throughout the residence.