Overview
- Investigators say Kristopher Karolkiewicz shot his wife, Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, and their six children before taking his own life when emergency crews found the home on July 24.
- Autopsies and law enforcement statements have confirmed gunshot deaths for the mother and children and ruled the father’s death a suicide, and Michigan State Police arson specialists are rebuilding the interior fire sequence.
- The family announced a public memorial for Aug. 24 at Harvest Vertical Church with a livestream and a request that no photos, audio, or video be taken on church grounds.
- Relatives organized an official GoFundMe to help Mandy’s parents and to establish a scholarship in the children’s names and they warned the public that at least one fake fundraiser has been circulating online.
- The deaths have prompted broad community support worldwide and the family has asked for privacy while investigators continue work and plans to turn donations into a lasting memorial for the children.