Overview
- Firefighters who returned after earlier smoke reports found the burning Riverside Trail home and discovered the eight victims on Friday.
- Forensic autopsies determined all eight died from gunshot wounds; officials ruled the mother and six children homicides and the father’s death a suicide.
- Investigators say they believe the father shot his wife and children and then started fires in multiple places inside the residence, and they do not expect other suspects.
- Authorities have seized extensive documentation from the home and the Michigan State Police fire investigation unit is working to pinpoint the fires’ origin and timing while the probe remains open.
- The slain mother was identified as Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz, a substitute teacher, the father as Kristopher Karolkiewicz, the six children were ages 5–15, several pets also died, and local schools and neighbors have organized support and fundraising for the family.