A man whose employment ended earlier this month killed his wife and six children before taking his own life inside a burning home in Grand Haven Township, Michigan, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities identified the victims as 39-year-old Amanda "Mandy" Karolkiewicz and six children aged 5 to 15. The perpetrator, 47-year-old Kristopher "Kris" Karolkiewicz, died by suicide.
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Autopsies at Corewell Health–Blodgett confirmed all eight individuals died from gunshot wounds.
Michigan State Police arson investigators said the house fire was intentionally set in multiple areas after the fatal shootings.
Family pets also died from fire and smoke exposure.
The firearm used was registered to Kris Karolkiewicz, who had no prior criminal record and no previous police calls to the home.
The family included four boys aged 15, 12, 11, and 5, alongside twin 11-year-old girls, two of whom were adopted.
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Community in Mourning
Kris Karolkiewicz previously served as national vice president of sales and marketing for the American Heart Association, working remotely until July 2026.
"As an organization with professional staff who are dedicated to helping others, we are devastated by the news out of Grand Haven," the American Heart Association said in a statement.
Amanda Karolkiewicz was a dedicated substitute teacher in the local community.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools Superintendent Kristin Perkowski called the incident "a devastating incident" and said the district is preparing to offer support services to those affected.
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Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT.
